Yemi Alade has consistently been one of the African artists who do not shy away from championing African fashion. Whether she does it through her music videos, stage outfits, iconic hairstyles, or everyday appearance, she shows how passionate she is about embracing and showcasing African culture.
Alade has curated her brand in a way that reflects her African identity, as she is known for bringing back old-fashioned trends and seamlessly rocking them. From traditional African hairstyles, such as the Bantu knots, to her frequent use of coral beads and her consistent incorporation of Ankara prints and other traditional fabrics into her clothing, it is clear she isn’t called “Mama Africa” for nothing.
She recently dropped a striking visual duet, featuring Nancy Isime on her Instagram page for her new music titled “My Padi”. The video shows both of them stepping out of a car adorned with matching African ensembles as they strutted and danced to Yemi’s new song.
Photo: Instagram/@yemialade The pair both wore peach and mint green coloured lace prints, sewn in the popular Iro and Buba fashion, but with a contemporary flair; the lace skimpily wrapped around their waists. They paired the cultural piece with matching coral bead accessories and a coral crown-like headpiece – beautifully synchronized to make their aesthetics pop.
Not only is the fashion statement to be adored, but their long-standing friendship is also endearing, as Isime beautifully and comically captures it in her Instagram post. She sheds light on her journey to success and how Alade lent her a helping hand until she was able to find her own footing.
In her words, “…Yemi, who I had met through a mutual friend and had become an acquaintance. I asked her over the phone one day if it was okay to stay at her off-campus accommodation for a bit and she immediately said Yes! Fam, I stayed for weeks and this woman NEVER EVER complained! Infact the peace was too much, I had to leave when I wasn’t ready to. Shortly after, I could afford my own space…”
Their friendship shone through the video as they gracefully moved to each other’s rhythm – neatly choreographing their struts and swaying hips to the beat while singing along to the song, “My Padi,” which translates to “my friend” in Nigerian Pidgin.
The fashion choice in the video also serves as a reminder that some attire, which might be categorised as “old-fashioned,” can still be effortlessly chic if done with a modern twist, of course. The Iro and Buba are traditional garments with their roots in the cultural practices of southwestern Nigeria, with their heyday spanning from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Our mothers, grandparents, etc, wore and still wear this traditional attire the same and only way they know how.
However, it is clearly making a comeback with new school girlies owning it and making it fashionable. Today’s designers and style muses are pairing the timeless wrap skirt with new and unexpected fabrics, including silk, velvet, and denim. Think cropped bubas, skimpy iros, mono straps, asymmetrical necklines, and bold prints; it’s stylish, raw, and a breath of fresh air.
Photo: Instagram/@thecakechancery In promoting her new music, Yemi Alade not only emphasised the value of having a supportive friend but also showed us that iro and buba are no longer just cultural attire but also effortlessly chic.
