The night the 9th AFRIMA Awards lit up Lagos was about music first, but it became a moment where fashion spoke just as loudly as the winners’ names. Held on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, the ceremony drew stars from every corner of Africa, and what they wore became part of the story published and shared widely on Instagram and news feeds. Seen from every angle, the red carpet at the 9th AFRIMA was a bright, culturally rich spectacle of style, individuality and Pan-African pride.
The event opened with hosts who set the tone for the evening. Nigerian rapper and influencer, Falz brought rich cultural heritage in his velvet colored agbada, which he later changed for an iconic two-piece by the phenomenal Ugo Monye. French-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune chose a flowing gown in deep sapphire that caught the lights with every step, the fabric punctuated by hand-stitched beadwork that echoed West African artisanal traditions. Together they struck a balance between formal glamour and cultural expression, hinting at what was to come once artistes began walking the carpet.
From the first arrivals, the women’s fashion made a statement. Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay, who would later win Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, looked like she owed her confidence to the outfit itself. This beautiful gold ensemble she wore glistened under the lights and opened up to a dramatic but well-structured skirt, whose slit revealed her perfectly fitted bronze heels. The entire look came together to a perfect regal look.
Cindy Le Coeur, the Congolese superstar stepped onto the red carpets of the AFRIMA awards in a beautiful, eye-catching emerald green mermaid dress that flattered her figure beautifully, before opening up to a flare just above her knees.
Men’s fashion at the 9th AFRIMA wasn’t quiet either. Nigerian superstar Rema, who emerged as the biggest winner of the night with Artiste of the Year among others, appeared in an understated black on black fit that stood out because of its clean lines and perfect tailoring. The simplicity of his outfit made the cut of the jacket and trousers feel intentional, a choice that let his presence and energy take center stage without being overshadowed by ornament.
Veteran Congolese musician Koffi Olomide brought a different energy. His suit was all white, but it was the cut and the way he carried himself that made it feel timeless rather than showy. Crisp white trousers, a matching blazer and a shirt in silk created a look that felt classic even in the midst of so many bold ensembles, a reminder that personal confidence can match any trend.
Female artists and guests didn’t shy away from color or texture. On one side of the carpet, a flowing neon green gown with sweeping sleeves brought movement and joy into still images. Close by, gowns in sunshine yellow and rich kente-inspired prints created a mosaic of color that reflected not just fashion trends but cultural roots. The use of patterned fabrics reminded every onlooker that African designers and wearers are redefining elegance without losing connection to their identity.
Among the standout looks were those that archived tradition while also playing with modern cuts. Some guests wore outfits that combined tailored bodices with tribal-inspired accessories, beads and even feather details, making each look more than a dress or suit — they became wearable stories. This blend felt particularly strong because it didn’t feel like a costume or a theme party; it felt like winners and attendees were expressing layers of themselves through fabric and form.
The event’s presenters and commentators also contributed to the fashion narrative. Social media influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Kenyan actress Claudia Naisabwa were the host of the red carpet, forming such a wonderful duo. Enioluwa embraced a sleek suit in a rich charcoal with subtle texturing, a look that balanced editorial polish with red carpet formality. Claudia wore a dress in shifting shades of violet, its silhouette asymmetrical with a bodice that dipped into a soft, draped skirt. Their outfits felt like a conversation between fashion worlds — metropolitan and culturally anchored.
The winners themselves gave another layer to the evening’s style. Rema, after accepting Artiste of the Year and his other awards, changed into a slightly more relaxed yet still tailored look for his post-award celebrations that was captured widely online. Burna Boy, honored with Album of the Year for his project No Sign of Weakness, appeared in an ensemble that mixed tailored trousers with a richly detailed shirt featuring tribal motifs and embroidery. His footwear matched the earthy tones of his shirt, creating an effortless but intentional vibe that translated well in photos shared across Instagram.
Shallipopi, who walked away with Song of the Year for “Laho” and Best African Collaboration with Burna Boy, wore a fitted suit in a jewel tone that caught attention without competing with his musical acclaim. His choice not to wear a tie or use a bow, gave his outfit the cool vibe that he exudes as an established musician.
Upcoming artist like Qing Madi who won Most Promising Artiste of the Year award, came with newness and solid vibe. Qing Madi looked brilliant and youthful in her tailored bodice that shifted into a structured skirt in vibrant coral, paired with minimal accessories that let the silhouette speak. It was an outfit that felt both youthful and purposeful.
The 9th AFRIMA awards wasn’t just about the beautiful gowns and stand out male attires. It was an ongoing exchange between culture and couture. Traditional fabrics, bold prints, tailored cuts, and unexpected textures were woven throughout the evening in ways that felt respectful and radical at the same time. Some guests chose to blend everyday luxury with statement accessories, while others leaned fully into designs that felt symbolic of their heritage.
Everyone there seemed to understand that fashion at this ceremony was more than how clothes looked. It was about presence. How an outfit makes you feel when you walk in a room. How it reflects where you come from and where you want to be seen. That night, artists and attendees didn’t just dress for the camera. They dressed for each other.
By the end, the red carpet photos and stories shared online felt like a collective celebration of African fashion’s evolution. Designers, stylists and wearers alike used the 9th AFRIMA as a stage to show that contemporary African fashion can be bold without losing soul, modern without forgetting roots.
