Since the start of the current decade, Afrobeats, even though predominantly music-inclined, has surged into the global cultural mainstream, with artistes like Tems, Wizkid, and Burna Boy topping charts worldwide and regularly picking up awards while showcasing Africa’s rich heritage.
Prior to this ‘new age’, many artistes of the genre would have thought it a dream to be selling out venues and gracing world-renowned stages two decades earlier.
In a world that is more receptive to many cultural energies, the development of African fashion and music is striking and Afrobeats musicians are now noted for their creativity through their fashion choices.
These icons are now drawn to the extravagance and obvious zest for life that Africa and its contemporary talent have based on the fashion of these performers.
Owing to the success of this African music genre, some of the world’s luxury labels are now falling over each other just for a chance to style the likes of Nigeria’s WizKid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Davido, and Ghana’s King Promise. This has invariably led to an expanding fashion business in a rising African market.
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The sense of style of Africa’s Afrobeats icons perfectly encapsulates the spirit of their music and culture while still being bold and otherworldly. These performers wear their clothing with grace, whether it has avant-garde designs or colorful prints and colors.
Afrobeats singers are becoming fashion icons for their devoted fans as the genre continues to gain popularity and love globally.
This fact notwithstanding, stylists play a big part in creating the stunning looks we frequently see being exhibited by the artistes.
A professional stylist makes sure that each client has unique finishing touches that reflect their uniqueness. Here are some of the stylists responsible for your favorite Afrobeat singer’s most memorable fashion statements.
Ugo Mozie
Ugo Mozie is a creative executive from Nigeria who launched his first fashion label, Aston Mozie, in 2009, when he was just 18 years old. He has now risen to the top and rubs shoulders with some of the world’s famous celebrity stylists. Several of Hollywood’s top stars, including Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Travis Scott, and Beyonce are among Mozie’s patrons.
Ronami Ogulu
Ronami Ogulu is a businesswoman and celebrity stylist. She is well-known for being the creative force behind all of Burna Boy’s stylish attires. Since 2018, Ogulu has been the official stylist of Burna Boy. Ogulu is a firm believer in the importance of ‘attention to detail’.
Uncle Soft
You may have heard of Uncle Soft if you enjoy the music from Nigerian stars, Rema, Fireboy DML, BXNX, and Joeboy. One of the most important fashion figures in the Nigerian music industry is Uncle Soft, a stylist and designer who was born Samuel Adekolu. The fashion icon is a go-to for creatives seeking an edgier, more streetwear-inspired aesthetic. Soft is arguably best recognized for his skillful use of poppies as accessories to uplift the carefree, “too-cool-for-school” attitude these creatives want to convey.
Swazzi
Legendary Nigerian stylist Swazzi has the view that a music video is similar to a canvas and that an artiste’s style in that visual is an opportunity to express themselves so as to convey a message. Swazzi takes his duties very seriously, as evidenced by Asake’s unique attire in the Organise music video and his culturally-odd white suit in Terminator. Swazzi has styled celebrities like Naira Marley, Zinoleesky, and Tiwa Savage. His self-awareness helps him stand out among the field of young, skilled fashion stylists in Nigeria.
Tee Dosumu
The majority of multiple award-winning Nigerian star, Wizkid’s stylish appearances are the work of and a top celebrity stylist Tee Dosumu; a renowned Nigerian stylist and CEO of Blac Ribbon Clothing. Tee Dosunmu’s goal is to give Wizkid a quiet style persona while wearing the coziest and feel-good items, despite the fact that he is one of the most famous Afrobeats musicians ever. The top stylist has been doing this since 2017.