Music and fashion enjoy a symbiotic relationship. Each fuels the other in a big and modest way thereby, creating famous African artists with fashion collaborations. The conversation about fashion is interesting to a large extent.
Artists are so mindful about personality portrayal and brand implications now more than ever. They take a lot into consideration whenever they are dressing up because in their fashion, lies a deep message. Whatever outfit a musician chooses or dons; the catch is to always make a powerful statement in both the musical and fashion worlds. This explains the phenomenon behind the collaborations between global fashion houses and African artists.
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Who are The Famous African Artists with Fashion Collaborations?
Take a deeper look at the men and women in entertainment world enjoying the best of both worlds.
1. Tyla (South Africa)
Tyla is now an international music brand, thanks to her hit song ‘Water’. In fact, she is one of the lucky youngsters to win a Grammy Award in their first year of doing music professionally. She won Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 for her song “Water.”
South African Singer, Tyla. Photo/NME
She made her debut as the face of Gap’s new Spring 2024 campaign in February 2024. This fashion campaign revolves around a brand-new linen range. Tyla appears as a dancer dressed in styles from the new collection, slicing around in a choreographed set while sporting a linen crop and beige cargo pants. British electronic band Jungle’s “Back on 74,” a popular TikTok song serves as an accompaniment for the dancing in the video.
The Gap collaboration is a very different look from the flashier attire and more energetic dancing techniques with Tyla’s dancing signature. Working with an American fashion brand and shopping centre puts her among the famous African artists with fashion collaborations.
2. Wizkid (Nigeria)
After being released in a few Nike Stores, Wizkid’s iconic “StarBoy” jersey sold out in less than ten minutes. Yet, replicas are still hanging in booths in Lagos. This was the singer’s second collaboration with the sports apparel giant, with the release taking place in September 2018. He assisted with modeling Nigeria’s national football team’s jersey ahead of the World Cup.
Nigerian artist Wizkid. Photo.Vanguard News
The ‘StarBoy’ jerseys were a highly sought-after item that eventually sold out when it was released. Wiz’s hometown of Surulere, in Lagos, was commemorated on the back of the StarBoy jersey as a nod to his origins. The quick sell-out rate of the $64 retail model demonstrated the viability of Afrobeats stars among an expanding diaspora and worldwide fan base.
3. Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Burna Boy is among famous African artists with fashion collaborations on an international level. British luxury brand Burberry picked him alongside Latin pop sensation Shakira as the ambassadors of its 2022 holiday campaign. The campaign’s short video, titled “The Night Before,” featured Burna Boy in three distinct outfits. One of which featured an angel wings- and Burberry-printed trademark jacket.
Beyond the campaign, Burna Boy and Burberry continued to work together. He wore a custom Burberry fit to the 2023 Met Gala and graced the Burberry fashion show in London in September.
4. Rema (Nigeria)
The ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker was one of three performers for the Afrobeats-themed halftime live show during the 2023 NBA All-Star festivities in Utah. The singer, who has a strong connection to American basketball, was one of the brand ambassadors for the Jumpman 2023. He participated in its promotional film alongside American R&B singer and NBA star Luka Doncic. He made reference to the famous jersey number of Air Jordan founder Michael Jordan in November 2022.
5. K.O (South Africa)
K.O is has a special history in South Africa not only for being among famous African artists with fashion collaborations but his musical exploits too. He pioneered Skhanda rap which is now a rapidly growing sound in SA’s music industry. He partnered with Japanese sportswear company Asics in 2018. Asics partnered with K.O. in the launch of ASICSTIGER. K.O wear collection in an effort to penetrate the African apparel market with its lifestyle brand.
6. Tems (Nigeria)
Tems Performs At Lafayette. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
Nigerian populace has a soft spot for Americana fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger and no other artist presents it better more than Tems. The 2023 Grammy Award winner has been donning Tommy Hilfiger denim attires since she was a teenager. The ‘Me&U’ singer served as the spokesperson for Tommy Jeans’ Fall/Winter Campaign in early 2022. It focused on the “Play to Progress” theme.
7. Nasty C (South Africa)
Nasty C, a celebrated South African hip hop artists consistently exudes flawless swagger. His deep sense of style earned him a fantastic choice for the 2022 G-Star RAW Exclusives line. He told GQ South Africa that this brand stuns him with its premium offerings in design and aesthetics.
8. Davido (Nigeria)
It is no surprise that Davido has Puma in the list of famous African artists with fashion collaborations. The musician debuted the Puma x Davido line in 2022, which was inspired by his catchphrase, “We Rise by Lifting Others.” The line has now been available in stores and includes t-shirts, caps, coats, shorts, jeans, and a reversible bucket hat.
