Mary Nnah
NMO Management Limited, organisers of the annual Pan African Music Runway (MFR) held the 9th edition of its music fashion show in Lagos.
The event featured 18 young emerging designers and it came under the theme, “Empowering The Creative/Corporate Mix” to align infrastructural development and growth in the creative and entertainment sector.
During the show, over 30 local and international runway models showcased the creativity of the participating designers in an inspiring atmosphere in the presence of style luminaries and fashion devotees, who gathered at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, venue.
The event which was also streamed live via social media platforms opened the pioneering fashion and music platform to a global virtual international audience of exceeding 10,000 watching.
The organisers of Pan African Music Runway, NMO Management and PR Limited during the event also recognised and honoured prolific and iconic pioneers in creative industries known as ‘Game Changers’ within the African narrative for their significant contributions.
Recipients at this year’s event include; the president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Gabriel Idahosa; iconic legendary singer-songwriter Yinka Davies; ICT Fashion Innovation; and Malik Afegbua. While Jessica Paul and Philip Owusu emerged as MFR Models of the year 2023.
GBT auditions model search winners for MFR, youth empowerment talent search platform of NMO Management Ltd are Tooki Similoluwa and Al-Amin Oloko.
Speaking on the significance of the show, Ngozi Omambala CEO of NMO management said: “Our priority as always is to produce a first-class event of live music excellence, whilst showcasing the most cutting edge Pan African fashion, established designers and international runway models.”
Omambala who is also the chairperson of the Creative and Entertainment Sector of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) noted that the Creative and Entertainment sector has gone through seismic changes to become an absolute force of nature.
In her words: “The growth has been unprecedented, yet its infrastructure development lags exposing weaknesses and vulnerabilities of youth creative seeking to carve out careers without support or protection.
On his part, President Lagos Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Gabriel Idahosa described entertainment as one of the biggest and best opportunities for creating jobs for young people.
According to Idahosa, LCCI is providing a platform to give young talents the technical, management and financial empowerment needed for their upscaling.
On the other hand, he commended the organisers of the programme describing the annual event as an ideal platform for both local and international designers to showcase their talents.
It is worth noting that the Pan African Music Fashion Runway (MFR) is a cultural showcase platform blending contemporary Pan African designers, arts, film and media, international runway models, and cutting-edge fashion with live music excellence.
