I saw this shirt the other day. It said, “Ghetto until fashionable.”  I laughed and kept pushing because that’s the story of my life. You see, there’s a trend in the fashion industry [wait…[literally every industry} where certain styles and designs that have roots in urban, predominantly black and African communities are looked down upon and deemed “ghetto” or “not fashionable.” However, as soon as these same styles are picked up and popularized by mainstream media, they suddenly become “fashionable” and are seen in a new light. It’s like, “abeg, we’ve been rocking this style for years and now that you’re doing it, it’s suddenly okay?” My culture is banging enough to be appreciated by all, but the moment you forget who did it first is the same moment you become a classic case of cultural appropriation. It’s a bit of a bittersweet situation because, on one hand, it’s great to see our styles being recognized and appreciated on a larger scale. But on the other hand, it’s frustrating to see how quick people are to dismiss our fashions as “ghetto” until they become popularized. It’s just a reminder that there’s still a long way to go when it comes to representation and appreciation of diverse cultures in the fashion industry. But in the meantime,  continue to rock your style with pride and show the world that fashion created on the streets of Lagos or Harlem is far from “ghetto” – it’s fly and here to stay. And the next time you’re rocking that urban wear, remember the roots of where it comes from and the history behind it. And let’s keep pushing forward. Our fashion is worth more than just a trendy label.

Ehen! Can we just talk about how far Afrobeats has come? From the hoods of West Africa to the clubs of London and beyond, Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with. And it’s no wonder, with its mad energy and beats that can get anybody grooving. So, what has put Afrobeats on the map? Well, social media is a big part of the story. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, music can spread like wildfire, and Afrobeats is no exception. In a matter of seconds, people all over the world are being exposed to the sick rhythms and beats of Afrobeats, and it’s no surprise that it’s become the sound of the moment. But the rise of Afrobeats isn’t just down to social media. The commercialization of the genre has also been a big driver of its growth. Record labels and music streaming services have been investing heavily in Afrobeats artists, leading to a boom in production and more collaborations with international artists. This has only served to further push Afrobeats into the limelight. But with all this success, some people have started to worry that Afrobeats is becoming too commercial and losing its edge. As the genre becomes more mainstream, there’s a risk that it will become homogenized and lose its unique character and cultural significance. However, we must remember that Afrobeats has always been a genre that’s constantly evolving. From its roots in highlife and traditional West African music, Afrobeats has always incorporated elements of other genres and cultures, and that’s what makes it so special.

If you mention Fashion and Africa and don’t conjur up the Congo during the conversation, then are you really talking about Fashion? In Africa? You see, fashion and style play a big role in Congolese culture, and they don’t just do it anyhow. No, no, no! They do it with flair and creativity, and the world is taking notice. First up, let’s talk about the Sapeurs. These guys are the epitome of style and class in Congo, and they’re not just known in the country, they’re known all over the world. The Sapeurs are a group of men who love to dress up in the sharpest suits, finest shoes, and the most dapper hats. They believe that fashion is a form of art, and they take it very seriously. And it’s not just the Sapeurs who are making waves in the fashion world. Congolese fashion is also becoming a global trend, and it’s not hard to see why. From the bright, bold patterns to the creative use of color, Congolese fashion is all about making a statement. The designs are not just stylish, they’re also steeped in cultural significance, and that’s what makes them so special. So, why is fashion and style so important in Congo? Well, it’s not just about looking good. It’s about expressing one’s identity and cultural heritage. Fashion is a way of telling the world who you are, what you stand for, and where you come from. In Congo, fashion is seen as a form of empowerment, and it’s a way of reclaiming cultural pride and heritage.