‘Crowns of Africa’ Explores the Untold History and Cultural Roots of Fulani Braids

The third episode of OkayAfrica’s four-part hair braiding series delves into the hairstyle originated by one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Fulani people of West and Central Africa.

arts culture

Why Detty December 2025 Festivities Are Shrinking in Nigeria

Industry insiders and everyday Nigerians say soaring ticket prices and the struggling economy have scaled down events, pushing people toward smaller, intimate gatherings and creative ways to celebrate.

news

Willis Bell’s ‘Light & Shadow’ Captures Ghana’s Fierce Post-Independence Spirit

Through A Movement in Stills, the American photographer captures the fierce post-independence spirit of Ghana, offering a profoundly human glimpse into the life, energy, and air of hope that defined the emerging nation.

arts culture

The Ancient History of Box Braids, Revealed on OkayAfrica’s ‘Crowns of Africa’

Episode two of OkayAfrica’s four-part video series explores the centuries-old tradition of hair braiding, dating back to southern Africa.

arts culture

What It's Like To... Run an Indie Record Company and Keep Vinyl Alive

Yinka Bernie’s Egwu Records has filled a distinct space as a vinyl collective. The Lagos-based creator tells OkayAfrica about how he’s “extending the sound experience.”

arts culture

Celebrating African Braiding: Get to Know the Iconic History of Nubian Twists on ‘Crowns of Africa’

The first episode of OkayAfrica’s new video series explores the African roots of braiding, its eternal cultural significance, and more.

arts culture

Op-Ed: The 'Real Egyptian' Debate Misses The Point: Stop Erasing Modern Egyptians’ Link To Their Past

After the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening ceremony, members of the African diaspora took to social media to claim that modern Egyptians are mere colonizers of a stolen history.

arts culture

Op-Ed: Why the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Is Key to Nigeria’s Rich Art and Cultural Legacy

MOWAA celebrates Nigerian creativity, preserves rich heritage, and positions African art as a source of national and global pride.

arts culture

For Nigerian Documentary Filmmakers, Getting Access to Archival Materials Is Difficult and Expensive

Two creatives reveal the high costs, unclear procedures, and institutional hurdles that make accessing archival footage in Nigerian and Western archives like the BFI challenging.

film tv

For 15 Creatives, These Lagos Fashion Week Moments Were Instrumental in Their Journeys

From designers to models to stylists, and producers, 15 creatives share standout Lagos Fashion Week moments and reveal how LFW shaped their journey in Nigeria’s vibrant fashion scene.

arts culture

“Eclectic” Captures the Backstage Chaos and Rush at Nigerian Runway Shows

Adebayo Jolaoso’s “Eclectic” photo book captures six years of Nigerian backstage fashion photography at Lagos, Arise, and GT Fashion Weeks, featuring models, stylists, and makeup artists.

arts culture

At Design Week Lagos 2025, These 7 Designers Created Powerful Stories

This year’s edition of Design Week Lagos features sustainable craftsmanship, modern innovation, and narrative-led design.

arts culture

How Abir Ibrahim’s Photo Book “Love Letters to Sudan” Celebrates Sudan’s Culture and Strength

From all 18 states, the Sudanese-American historian showcases Sudan’s beauty and strength in her book, challenging decades of negative perceptions.

arts culture

West Africa’s Art Season: Must-Attend Events From Senegal to Ghana & Nigeria

OkayAfrica spoke with writers, curators, and cultural tastemakers on the art and culture events they are looking forward to during West Africa’s art season in 2025.

arts culture

Five Highlights from this Year’s London 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair

From acrylic and charcoal paintings to hair sculptures and special installations, 1-54 London was curated for collectors, art enthusiasts and visitors alike.

arts culture

The Incredible Stories Behind Lemi Ghariokwu's Iconic Fela Kuti Album Covers

These stories reveal not only the Nigerian artist and illustrator Lemi Ghariokwu’s iconic process, but also the riveting relationship he shared with Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti.

arts culture

What It’s Like To … Be A Graffiti Artist in Kenya

Nairobi-based Phunk Bantu speaks on transforming Nairobi’s walls into open-air galleries and how public art and graffiti transform urban spaces.

news

arts culture

Photos: ‘Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens’ at the Brooklyn Museum

Billed as the most expansive North American exhibition of the iconic Malian photographer, the exhibition includes never-before-seen images, as well as textiles, jewelry, and garments used in his indelible images.