Is your fashion sense unmatched or do you lack even a drop of style? Take this very simple quiz and we’ll let you know. But before you do, promise you won’t vex when we tell you the truth and it’s not what you wanted to hear.
You promise? Alright, go ahead:
Wondering why you’ve never seen yourself in the post-event clip of a festival or why the fan cams never come your way? It’s probably because you showed up looking basic AF.
Let’s help you change that before the next festival you attend.
Oversized clothes
Photo source: Instagram/@derinfromisaleeko
Nothing screams “I’m a cool kid” louder than oversized fits among young people. Depending on the alté aesthetic you’re going for, you either wear oversized tees, jeans or both.
Shorts and mini-skirts
Photo source: Instagram/@ayrastarr
If you’re trying to absolutely kill the party, you need to be prepared to show some skin. As a bro, pull out em ashawo shorts and put your toned legs on display. Hot girlies, make Ayra Starr jealous at the sight of your mini-skirt.
Bucket hats, scarves and durags
Photo source: Instagram/@omahlay
You can’t go wrong with either of these three when thinking of the perfect head covering. You can also be extra and do a combination of two.
Mini dress
Photo source: Pinterest
You might think it’s low effort, but the truth is, you can hardly miss your way with a mini dress. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can thot it up however you want.
Rings and accessories
Photo source: Jumia
Doesn’t have to be original gold or diamond; just make sure you’ve got your bling on. From knuckle rings to bracelets, chains, earrings and multi-layered necklaces, accessories add an edge to your outfit.
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Glasses
Photo source: Instagram/@boy_director
There are so many dramatic ones these days, so you can go all out if you want. Could be small or wide frames, black or coloured, round or rectangular.
A tote bag
Photo source: Street Project
Apart from being handy, tote bags can be the statement piece that’ll have everyone looking your way. The key is to choose one with cheeky texts or dramatic art.
Wondering where you‘ll show up with your fire fit? “Strings Attached” is the place to be on May 11, 2024, at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos.
This Zikoko x One Bank festival is completely free to attend. All you have to do is download the OneBank by Sterling app, create a new account using ZIKOKO as the referral code and your ticket will be reserved. The limited tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, so hit the app store ASAP.
Read next: All The Activities to Look Forward to at a Community Festival
Do you love edgy, daring, super cool hairstyles? Do you want to get more creative with your hair? You’ve come to the right place. We predict these will be the top hair picks of 2025, so you’re welcome.
This not-so-popular haircut is inspired by the late Baingor Joiner, a young Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist. Bai is a form of self-expression that represents coolness, creativity, freedom and afrofuturism. Who wouldn’t want to embody these values in the new year?
If you haven’t seen this OG Marvel franchise, featuring Wesley Snipes, then you aren’t as hip as you think. And if your barber isn’t skilled, what you’ll get is a violation instead of a stylish and confident don’t-fuck-with-me look.
This radical haircut was football legend and ex-Brazilian striker, Ronaldo de Lima’s tactic to shift attention from his injury during the 2002 World Cup, and it worked. After he sported the cut, he (and his team) won the semi-final against Turkey and the final against Germany. This was the cut he had on as he lifted the 2002 World Cup and won the Golden Boot.
Nigerian artist, Prettyboy D-O, is popular for his creative hairstyle. He dyes his hair in multi colours and patterns — sometimes, it’s wildfire, flowers or heart symbols. D-O is a walking canvas, and his style is for the vibrant risk-takers.
Adekunle Gold had this haircut on for a promotional shoot in 2018. It’s a 90’s retro style, an Afro-fade with a part down the middle. If you rock vintage fashion, this is the perfect cut to cap it up.
Most recently seen on the late Mohbad, this eye-catching style requires your hair to be just long enough to twist into neat, tiny knots. This can be your prelude to full braids.
A skinned, shiny head will forever be popular among the people of earth. If you like breeze hitting your skull directly, getting random scalp rubs, or paying barbers simply disgust you, go for this cheap, simple and classic cut.
You have four pictures that’ll give you a clue. If your score is less than 7, you’ll listen to only Afrobeats for the next seven years.
Take the quiz:
If there’s one thing Nigerian celebrities can’t resist, it’s an event with a theme — from the Barbie premiere to Netflix’s Bridgerton event. And on December 10, 2023, they showed up and showed out for the premiere of Funke Akindele’s latest film, “A Tribe Called Judah”.
The official invitation said “costume extravaganza”, and we don’t know whether our favourite celebrities were on theme, but we saw some very concerning looks last night and decided to rank them all.
Let’s get into it.
I’ve taken several deep breaths, and I fear it’ll never be enough. It looks like BBN’s Boma forgot the theme of the premiere on the way there and just bought the balaclava in traffic so it won’t look like he didn’t come in costume.
Is she a chess piece? Is she Azuka, Azul’s reserved younger brother? We don’t know what this look is, and we also don’t know how she didn’t pass out with that thing on her head. What we do know is the outfit was better off without the… hood?
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a signature style, but when that style is SS3 “bad boy” running for social prefect, then maybe don’t bring it to the red carpet every time. At least, he came in a costume.
The execution might not have been the best, but at least, he had his heart in it and followed the theme. They said “costume extravaganza”, and he had the decency to show up in a costume that didn’t have me squinting or bending my brain to figure out what he was. The “extravagant” part will be discussed when it shows up.
On the red carpet, the look didn’t really give. But now that I’ve looked at the pictures long and hard, it’s actually a cute look. And the blue rubber-looking overall is extravagant enough.
As the director and lead actress, Funke Akindele gave us two looks last night. The first look was supposed to give regal and golden, but it only ended up giving prom. But this second Tinkerbell look belongs at the Calabar Carnival. The shoes and dress were great, but the wings looked like moimoi leaves. No amount of gold glitter can change that.
She kinda ate this look up from the top half. Then the stylist got to her shoes and decided to stick cardboard paper on wedges that look like the ones my secondary school business administration teacher wore to class.
It took me a minute to recover from this look. Never have I seen a mamalawo drip in so many pearls and diamonds. This mamalawo decided to use her powers for herself, and it was the best decision ever made.
She left the theme at the door, and after seeing half these looks, some people should’ve followed suit. I believe she took one look at the theme and decided she won’t harm herself by even attempting. Great choice because she looks good and snatched in this dress.
She just threw something on, stepped on that red carpet like the baddie she is, and everything came together instantly. I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m not. It’s THEE Sharon Ooja.
She stunned in white. Maybe the wings were too massive and a danger to all who walked near her, but they said “extravagant”, so she gave extravagant.
She stuck to the theme and looked really good doing it. She’s the Joker, and that’s as over the top and extravagant as it’ll get.
In Beyonce’s words, “10s across the board”, from her hair to the makeup to the dress. Faith Morey came dressed in one of Beyonce’s more subtle looks, but it gave all it needed to.
Mercy and her team take every invite she gets seriously. She came dressed as Jennifer Lopez, and it was just extravagant enough to fit the theme of the night.
Once again, Efe Irele has proven no one does costumes like her. I saw this picture before I saw her on the carpet, and Efe as the Black Swan ate and left no crumbs on and off it.
The male fashionistas of today are popular for their originality and unrestricted sense of style. Gone are the days of copying the “American rapper” fashion template once deeply seated in Afro-pop culture.
Looking for inspiration from stylish Nigerian men to step up your own game? These are the guys to check out.
As one of the founding fathers of Alté music, it isn’t hard to link Teezee‘s fashion style to the culture. He’s not your regular music and record label executive. You’ll only ever catch him in street or athleisure wear, casual clothes or adire pants for that Nigerian flavour.
Alani Gram is almost always in Yoruba trad, but some days, it’s hats, suits and other comfortable clothes. Still he looks like everyday is summer to him. He recently launched MŌYÀTÒ — a unisex fashion brand making vintage Yorùbá prints and patterns into the coolest designs and wears. You can be stylishly different like Alani. Do it for the culture and carry on tradition.
One of the few guys who rock jerseys better than football players is Feedy. Football jerseys have broken into the fashion industry, but many folks haven’t caught on yet. Learn from Feedy AKA TheFeedbackBoy, who rocks football jerseys of all kind, from retro to classic. He’s so cool, he styles the current reigning video director, TG Omori. Feedy’s style community, Old Capsule, is focused on showcasing, selling and promoting vintage soccer jersey products.
Speaking of, if you follow TG Omori on any of his social accounts, it’s clear to see why he’s one of the most fashionable young men in Nigeria today. Unique sunglasses, cool tops and unusual shoe choices are major components of his style, but he’s also unpredictable. Aside from his spectacular locs and gold grills, TG’s thick moustache makes him look even more stylish. Everything about him screams, “I’m so cool.”
Walter Banks AKA Wacko is a photographer and creative director who’s worked with many Afrobeats A-listers, and his eye for fashionable AF looks is A1. His style hangs between street fashion and Alté.
Nothing overboard with Faraz Muhammad’s steeze but lots of iconic European street and rare Asian fashion releases. He knows how to throw all the simple clothes together and make runway swag out of it. He may appear like a Korean mountain climber on some days, but kids and adults can take inspiration from him any day.
Dwin wears silky tunics and suits, large clothes only Japanese warlords would wear, fascinating gold earrings and rings like Shabba Ranks. He’s very much royal and relaxed with his style. Out of ten folks, you’d hardly find two who dress like him.
If you want the why-couldn’t-I-think-of-those type of looks in your wardrobe, Ejirhogene is who to follow. His style creatively crosses cultures and puts different clothings together to make unique outfits. This guy can rock agbada, durag and school sandals and still be the best dressed in the room. His finesse peaks with cool and unique colour combinations and accessory collections.
Do you want to level up your fashion game, change your style or add to your wardrobe? These Nigerian ladies have the distinctive fashion tastes that might inspire yours.
Temi loves contrasting pieces and matching unique items. Her fashion style is chic, captivating but easy on the eyes. Although she focuses on her acting work these days, her JTO FASHION blog still inspires many with her personal style and fashion exploration.
Fisayo Longe owns Kai Collective, a go-to fashion brand that launched in 2016. You may have seen one of her remarkable colour-mesh designs popularly known as Gaia Dress. Fisayo’s style is pretty experimental, marrying vibrant colours together to make a dress or top. Either way, she kills it.
Fashion, beauty and lifestyle content? Leave it to Hafsah Mohammed AKA Hafymo. She has a penchant for wide-legged pants, bright colour combos and complex designs, a tradition that carries on in her fashion and clothing brand, Chenemi.
Anne Nonye is an unconventional fashion babe and content creator who operates ThisThingCalledFashionn, an online platform she founded to showcase her personal style in 2020. To look like a hottie straight out of a Beyoncé shoot or an expensive corporate babe, or to turn ankara into a style high-end brands will envy, Nonye is your go-to. If you’re looking for more than fashion inspiration, her online store whatnaylikes, has enough looks and pieces to shop.
Apart from being one of the hottest young fashion stylists and consultants in Lagos, Style Senami, born Senami Mague, knows all the creative ways to style your skirts and corsets. You can learn one or two cool fashion things on her Fashion Bae Show. Peep her @whatshestyled page to see more of her work and people she’s styled.
If you’re looking for gorgeous styles your strict mum or church’s mummy G.O. won’t stop fanning over, Veekee James has all the fashion ideas for you. Do you need bespoke wear? She got you — just that she doesn’t make clothes below ₦1m.
Onyii Azode effortlessly pulls all styles. You’ll like her if you’re a fan of colours and clothes that take the Nigerian sun into consideration. Outstanding casual and street fashion? Check. Unique corporate styling? Check. Holiday, carnival or sexy style ideas, she does it all. She was studying in Medicine before fashion got her attention in 2018. Now, she calls herself a “medical doctor with a fly closet”.
Diana Eneje is a fashion model and influencer whose style can be described as “hot city girl vibes”. From effortlessly slaying crochet designs, to rocking short dresses with beautiful bag selections, to turning athletic wear into street fashion, Diana is HER. Her YouTube channel covers her fashion and lifestyle, so go there for all the fashion inspiration you need.
Ashley is a stylist, designer and creative director popular for her daring “Y2k Nollywood babe” look. Her hairdo, eyebrows, makeup and clothing choices always distinguish her from the crowd. Overall, her approach to fashion expresses boldness and freedom.
Bamy is a fashionista in the intersection of music, social media management and content strategy and production (WeTalkSound, Tea With Tay). Her style mixes clean masculine fashion with femme designs. And her sunglasses combinations are top notch.
Iretizee, born Ireti Zaccheaus, is a fashion designer and founder of Street Souk, an African streetwear brand. Her style is sexy androgynous. Both men and women can be beneficiaries of her charming fashion steeze.
Ogechi is a content creator who’s built a huge following off her fashion and lifestyle content. With her cool make-up game, Oge‘s style leaves bold, classy and soft-life effects on you. This may be what you need.
I fell in love with Editi Effiong’s Up North for many reasons, but what stood out the most was the visuals served on screen. It was mostly shot in Bauchi and would reshape some of the conservative views I held of northern Nigeria and its creative sector.
Fast forward to 2018, I met Fareeda, a Kaduna-state indigene who’d just completed NYSC in Lagos and was passing the time as a fashion designer till she got a 9-5. If Editi’s Up North changed my perception of the north, Fareeda gave me a complete reschooling. I was one of those Nigerians who mentally limited Nigeria’s art and fashion to places like Lagos and Abuja. Through her, I heard about the popping art and fashion scene in Kaduna that only seemed to evade mainstream.
It was the need to platform the young minds powering the northern region’s creative scene that inspired Ganiyah Sanni, a Kwara-born art curator and exhibition producer resident in Kaduna, to launch KAFART in 2019.
So, what’s KAFART about?
During a chat with Ganiyah, she told Zikoko how she created KAFART after noticing the creative atmosphere in the region, how young, talented artists creating amazing work got little to no recognition.
“There were a lot of young and emerging, professional and self-taught artists and fashion designers doing amazing work. One thing felt missing. There wasn’t a major platform that could bring these people together to showcase under one roof. I felt like there would be more impact if these people came together for greater publicity.”
Essentially, KAFART is the centre stage for creative minds in northern Nigeria to show up, show off and get their deserved recognition. Previous editions have featured exhibitors from as far North as Senegal, Mali, Gambia and Côte D’Ivoire.
The fourth edition, themed “Into the Art of Making”, seeks to “celebrate and highlight traditional African craftsmanship as it intersects contemporary art and fashion,” Sanni said.
There’ll be fashion
It’s the best place to witness the hottest fashion up north? Many young designers debut on the KAFART runway every year.
Two documentaries screenings
Kofar Mata Dye Pit by Niyi Olagunju explores the history of the Kano dye pits said to be the oldest in Africa and the last of their kind. Bogolan Textile by Madame Mariko explores the making of Mali’s handmade cotton textile.
Nok Terracotta artefacts in augmented reality
Source: Think Africa
This is your chance to learn more about the Nok terracotta sculptures popular for being some of the oldest artworks in the world and stolen by the British.
An exhibition from the Kaduna Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about Nigerian history, particularly Kaduna’s, the Kaduna Museum will showcase works and artefacts with rich stories behind them.
Panel discussions
According to convener, Ganiyah, “There’ll be panel discussions that will focus on thought-provoking topics.”
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And workshops too
Considering the theme, KAFART will come through with a bunch of on-site classes. Pottery and tie-dye, beading techniques and blacksmithing are just some of the sought-after skills attendees will learn about.
Fashion, drips, glitz and glamour go in sync with music awards and red carpets.
On October 21, 2023, Trace Music hosted its awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda for the first time to celebrate Afro music. We look at some of the fashion moments that did it for us yesterday.
If the classic American Jazz music fashion had a 2023 design, it’d be this OBO’s outfit — an oversized sequined dress adorned with “shine-shine.” The overall has his self-titled “OO1” nickname etched on its back. Baddest, for real 🙌🏿.
One would have expected Mother Africa covered from head to toe in Ankara, but she picked a simple, glossy emerald dress. Also, we couldn’t miss the emerald touches in her jewellery. Simplicity and intentionality >>>>
Then she turned up on the stage like this. Loveee it.
We absolutely love this effortless look from Portuguese-Cape Verdean singer, Soraia. We haven’t seen anyone else that can turn Kiwi into a fashion drip.
Mucyo Sandrine came draped in a bead-embroidered sequin, covered with an orange and pink fluffy design. The dress is well put together, and we think Mucyo had to remind us why she’s one of the hottest fashion models on the continent.
We know why 2Baba came in agbada and Hausa cap — he’s now an elder-statesman in African music. Plus, cultural representation is never out of style.
The twisted shoulder design, framed corset and open-finger gloves are beautiful. Also, the short afro haircut and royal-blue tail blend the gorgeous look together. Nothing screamed “royalty is here” like the colour choice and quality tailoring.
Who knew cowries would bang this hard on a suit? Look at the petal design stapled at the hand which low key doubles as a hand-fan, and tell us the coolest looks don’t come from the most daring people. Nice one, Azarias.
All-black looks always eat. But Haitian singer Rutshelle munched everything with her thigh-slit dress, complimented by flying wings and arm gloves — giving an I’m-here-for-what-is-mine look. Behold, she bagged Best Artist in The Carribean category at the ceremony.
We don’t know if she picked this dress a day before this event or if she just likes simple outfits, but the knee-length golden heels spiced up her look. Somehow, it ate.
She stepped on stage for her performance in this beautiful patterned gown. She first appeared with a long fur coat hanging over her shoulder, then took it off with poise; Viviane served a proper don-chic look.
Another day to remind you that we’re getting closer to the Burning Ram. Have you bought your ticket to the biggest meat festival or you’re still sleeping?
Our favourite artists have distinctive voices but we recognise them just as easily by their styling. We look at those who’ve set themselves apart through their unique approaches to dressing up.
Burna Boy sang “Shirts off like I ain’t got no clothes / ’cause where I’m from, there ain’t no snow”, but Wizkid is the guy living it. If he can’t go somewhere topless with dangling chains and baggy trousers, it’s not for Wiz. Don’t forget the signature bend-to-the-side too.
Ojapiano shot Kcee back to limelight, and we’ve seen him stomp everywhere branded in balaclava — full-face cover — in different designs and colours to match different outfits. You need to see his stage performances this year, it’s like masquerades playing “boju-boju” in high fashion.
It’s highly likely Ayra Starr grew up on old Nollywood films and 90s music groups because it’s hard to unsee the massive influence these styles have had on her wardrobe. From crop-tops to thigh-high boots and her iconic belt-skirts, our Sabi Girl’s fashion is as distinct as ever in Nigeria today. But who’s surprised she eats these looks when she walked runways as a model since 16.
Asake is a lover of many fashion brands, but he never deviates from body-tight tops and large flared trousers. No one in our current music space rocks the style as hard as him. Recreate it, but don’t chase danfo in those pants, please.
Lagbaja has always worn aso-ofi masks that match his clothes. On some days, he’d complete the style with “dejá” sandals made from car or truck tires. Since the 90s, no one’s ever tried to recreate Lagbaja’s look. A mystic artist like MF DOOM and billy woods, whether we know what Lagbaja looks like or not, the musician’s elusiveness is part of what makes him special.
Just in case you didn’t know, Ruger isn’t blind in one eye. According to him, his eyepatch is a symbol of his hard guy personality and a ratchet complement to his pink-dyed hair. Some 90s kids see Ruger and quickly get nostalgic about Baba Fryo. But it’s Ruger’s time now.
Since I started listening to OdumoduBlvck back in 2018, he’s rarely seen without his white, black and red woven Okpu Agu AKA leopard hat. It’s a traditional Igbo cap that represents bravery — the exact energy he reveals on his tracks.
No hairstyling, stresses or shenanigans to protect any hairline (because there’s none). One can say 2Baba is a simple man whose simplicity can be found in his music. Even fellow artist, Joel Amadi, couldn’t escape the accusations that he jacked 2Baba’s looks.
Did you know we’re throwing the biggest meat festival in style on November 11th? Cop your Burning Ram tix here.
