*Kévé/ Chichia London/ 3. BLKKAnGARoo/ [center] Ann & Arayata/ MyriamMaxo/ Chinedesign/ Heart365 Emporium (Left to Right / Top to Bottom)
SUPAFRIK is a contemporary diaspora-inspired art, fashion, music, and food pop-up shop & gallery. After stints in Toronto, Washington DC, and London, it was the turn of the city of lights: Paris. Created by designer Chinedu Ukabam of the label Chinedesign, this innovative concept offers a melting-pot of various types of art featuring fashion. "SUPAFRIK is a traveling “pop-up” experience that features artists and designers that re-contextualize African aesthetics and culture in a contemporary manner." We love the concept and the fact that this community is getting together to spread the word in an international setting. It allows the artists to get their work showcased in major cities and also build a stronger network. We were in Paris and loved the layout in the stunning Parisian spot La Crémerie, which is a historic place where the Great Louis XIV used to play as a kid in the courtyard.
*Painting by Komi Olaf
SUPAFRIK got a big turnout and he lively and jolly atmosphere of the public was noticeable. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Chinedesign label, we discovered the brand's trendy pieces alongside other talented designers including Chichia London, Ann & Arayata, Myriam Maxo, Heart 365 Emporium, BLKKAnGARoo, Ohiri Kreation, Nefer by Daniel Touhou, Eloli, Les Enfants Sauvages, Enzi and Jodi B. On top of this, there were paintings from visual artist Komi Olaf, photographies by Kemi Bassene and pieces from Mahatsara for our viewing pleasure. Of course, what would be an event of this magnitude be without live music and food? Ukabam introduced us to singer Laetitia Dana who provided a intimate acoustic set accompanied by a guitar player and later on there was Shirley Mpagi, Danilo and Edem Allado. Chef Dieuveil Malonga, a name to remember, excited our taste buds with a mix of food, getting along perfectly with the SUPAFRIK ethic. This event was an ideal illustration of the contemporary diaspora arts getting together.
