African media went haywire when a video of four beautiful Nigerian women adorned in African attires grooving with different Nigerian dance steps and gracing the fashion runway went viral on the internet. They exhibited beautiful dance steps popular among Africans including the popular ‘Shaku Shaku‘ dance, a dance step introduced by Mr. Real who deserves some commendation. But more importantly, shout out to these strong beautiful women who went out to make Nigeria and Africa proud (known as the Golden Cavalier Crew).

Traditionally, a fashion show is aimed at showing fashion trends of the future, however, the designer/director of the walk themed; “Colours of Africa” decided to take us back in time when one of the women walked the runway wearing the popular Yoruba iro and buba attire with a beautiful traditional Yoruba head-tie, popularly known as gele.

Permit me to briefly comment on the nature of the audience at the show which held in Vienna, Austria during the Vienna Fashion Week. The audience comprised of enthusiastic Caucasians who were visibly elated when the whole show of glory was going on. In the same vein, the excitement on the faces of the audience was priceless as they screamed in excitement when these fashion heroes finished their walks. Beyond this, it is worth mentioning and celebrating that African art, which includes African fashion, music and dance, is taking center stage the world over and is helping Africa to take its rightful place in the comity of nations. Nonetheless, one or two issues flow from this video and are worth discussing briefly.

One bearing factor to note from the release of that video is that African fashion is taking center stage among its peers on the world stage. It is beautiful and comforting to know that the influence of African fashion on the world fashion scene is getting broader and better as almost every reputable fashion show, the world over, attempts to feature something Nigerian or African on its walkway or in the music played at the event. The current increase in use of the popular Ankara material by western designers, including the popular designer, Christine Dior, is something which gladdens the African mind. This is commendable and is something Africa should be proud of.

The second issue which this short write up intends to address is a call to action for the African fashion industry in general. It is general knowledge that a handful of fashion shows hold often in a few number of African countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa, however, the point I intend to point out is that there is a lot more to tap from and in Africa than is currently being done. I believe that African fashion designers, show directors and organizers need to leverage on the current influx of interest in African fashion. I believe that the African fashion industry needs to evolve and put in more quality, vibe and valuable content in the work they do so that Africa can indeed be the stage for more fashion shows. Also, I believe that there is a need for more of such programs to be held in African countries in order to aid the promotion of local arts and tourism.

Moving forward, I believe that a number of lessons are worth learning, for Africa and Africans, from this discuss and a number of recommendations need to be made. One of such lessons that should be learnt is that African fashion and arthas the capacity to be the most important part in any fashion or entertainment event wherever such event is to take place even though not in Africa. Further, it is pertinent to state that African fashion designers, directors and show organizers need to up their antes in order for the shows they organize to be able to stand toe-to-toe with other fashion shows held in Europe and North America. Lastly, Africa and Africans need to understand that we are a shining light to the fashion world and we play a pivotal role in influencing fashion trends around the world.

As a pan-Africanist, I contend that if indeed Africa is to take its rightful place in the comity of nations in the fashion, arts and tourism world, more needs to be done to make Africa the stage where the world comes to watch, learn and get blessed by the awe inspiring beauty of Africa. It is therefore important to state briefly that one factor which has made the fashion, arts and tourism industry as attractive as it is in other climes is that legislators and policymakers in those climes have put laws and policies in place to enable massive investments  in this industry. It is however heartbreaking that African legislators and policymakers have taken the backseat in tapping into the enormous opportunities that are buried in a properly regulated and structured fashion, arts and tourism industry. It is thus pertinent to state that African legislators, policymakers and legal practitioners need to wake up to the diverse and immense opportunities which flow from the fashion, arts and tourism industry.

In conclusion, it is thus imperative to recommend that African leaders and legislators need to create policies and laws which would make the dream of making Africa the main stage a fantastically beautiful reality. Thus, in order for Africa not to relent on this development there is a need to put in place sufficient and encouraging legal infrastructure to attract interest in African fashion, arts and tourism. Also, I must recommend that African fashion designers and fashion show organizers begin to do more for Africa, by Africans, with Africans.

For feedback, you can contact the author at adekoya@thepalmagazine.com