HOW AFROBEATS ARTISTS ARE SHAPING FASHION AS STYLE ICONS

Afrobeat isn't  just music, it's considered a full blown cultural explosion that has taken the world by storm. Nigerian artistes in particular, have played a massive role in making this genre a global sensation. From Wizkid’s chart topping hits to Burna Boy’s Grammy wins, these artistes have shown that afrobeats is here to stay, putting African culture on the map in a big way. Fashion is another area where afrobeats have had a huge impact. Artistes like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade are style icons, often seen rocking traditional African prints with modern twists. Their bold fashion choices have influenced global trends, making African prints and designs more popular than ever. It's not just about looking good; it's about celebrating African heritage and craftsmanship. The usage of bold and vibrant prints is one of the characteristics of fashion with an afrobeats influence. Traditional African prints with elaborate patterns, geometric shapes, vivid color schemes take center stage, including Ankara, Kente and Dashiki. These prints are a favorite for apparel, accessories, even home decor since they exude a sense of joy, vitality and ethnic pride. These designs quickly add a dash of afrobeat inspired flair to your outfit and make a strong statement about your sense of style. Afrobeats artists are learning to define their sense of fashion more by personal sensibilities and less by popular trends. Fela who is regarded as the father of afrobeat and several other Nigerian artistes of his time who dabbled in other genres like reggae or rock often embodied the fashion sense typically associated with the genres they were working in. In the 80s for instance, Majek fashek often donned typical Rastafarian outfits, complete with long dreadlocks when performing his reggae inspired tracks.

 

 

As time went on, between the late 90s to the early 2000s, the themes and preoccupations of afrobeats began to take on a lighter, more luxurious tone. While songs sometimes touched on socio-cultural concerns, much of the music coming out at that time also touched on love, success, friendship and community. That individualistic approach has trickled over into the way the new generation of afrobeats stars align their fashion sensibilities to their artistry. Now more than ever, many are leaning towards high fashion, favoring both loud and understated looks from prestigious brands. Think wizkid on the dolce and gabbana runway or burna boy hanging out with late fashion icon Virgil Abloh.

 

The rise of afrobeats artists paying attention to their fashion choices also comes at a time when the African fashion industry, from Nigeria to Ghana, is seeing a positive explosion on the globe. This makes it easier for afrobeats stars to align with established African designers while also staying grounded in their artistry. Style is acknowledged more now as an integral role to the story or theme an artist is communicating at any given point.