Music Fashion Runway: Afrobeat Meets High Fashion

 
 
Mary Nnah
 
 
As the lights shifted to the runway, the first designer segment began. Ben Flashes, Yanga Trybe, and Craftsman Bespoke showcased their stunning collections, blending traditional African prints with modern styles. The audience was wowed by the creativity and craftsmanship on display.
 
The 10th Pan African Annual Music & Fashion Runway (MFR) was a resounding celebration of African creativity, innovation, and resilience, held at the Naval Dockyards, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The brainchild of Dr. Ngozi Omambala, a trailblazing entrepreneur and Group Managing Director/CEO of NMO Management Limited, the MFR has grown into a premier platform showcasing the best of African music, fashion, and culture.
 
“A decade ago, we set out to create a platform that would celebrate African excellence and provide a springboard for emerging talents,” Dr. Omambala said, adding, “Today, we are proud to have achieved that vision, and we look forward to continuing to promote African creativity and innovation.”
 
Under Dr. Omambala’s visionary leadership, the MFR has consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence, providing a springboard for emerging talents and a platform for established creatives to showcase their work. This year’s milestone event marked a decade of championing African excellence and celebrating the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
 
As the audience settled in, Kolade, the co-host for the evening, welcomed everyone to the event. The National Anthem played, followed by a special address by Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
 
“The MFR has become a beacon of excellence, inspiring a new generation of African creatives. “It is a shining example of the power of African creativity and innovation”,  said Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, UN World Tourism Organisation, and immediate past Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mohammed’s keynote address, titled “The Game Changer,” highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industry. He shared insights from the Post-COVID-19 Initiatives Committee for the Creative and Cultural Industry, which he inaugurated in 2020. The committee’s report revealed the industry’s vast contributions to the economy, including N1.2 trillion in revenue from hospitality, events, and tourism, and N2 trillion from fashion.
 
“The creative and cultural industry has the potential to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy,” Mohammed said.
“We must continue to support and promote our creatives, providing them with the resources and infrastructure they need to thrive”, he added.
 
The evening continued with performances by Idyl, The Voice Season 2 winner, and Elite Music Academy. Designers Ibrahim Woods, Araewa Fashion, Bojo Clothing, and Shades of Glam showcased their designs, each one more breathtaking than the last.
 
“I am thrilled to be a part of this event,” said Idyl. “The MFR is a celebration of African excellence, and I am honoured to be among such talented creatives.”
 
The Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement (GCAA) Award presentations honoured pioneers in the creative industries who have opened doors for the new generation. Dr. Ngozi Omambala delivered a short address emphasising the importance of recognizing and celebrating African creativity.
 
“We must continue to celebrate and recognise our creatives”, Omambala said. 
They are the ones pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation, and we must support them every step of the way”, she added.
 
As the night drew to a close, the final designer segment featured Oneney, Simeni, Modela, TJB, Madam Nike, and Blackadudu. The grand finale performance by Lorraine Lionheart left the audience in awe.
 
As the curtains closed on the 10th Pan African Annual Music & Fashion Runway, the message was clear: African creativity and innovation are the driving forces behind the continent’s economic growth and prosperity.
Dr. Ngozi Omambala’s vision and dedication have made the MFR a beacon of excellence, inspiring a new generation of African creatives.
 
The success of the 10th Pan African Annual Music & Fashion Runway is a demonstration of Dr. Omambala’s unwavering commitment to promoting African excellence. As the MFR continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a passion for celebrating African creativity.