Yemi Alade Launches Aso-Oke Heritage Collection with Zephans and Co

Afrobeats superstar Yemi Alade, known as “Mama Africa,” is broadening her reach beyond music. She has launched a fashion collaboration that celebrates Nigerian heritage in a luxurious way.

On February 20 and 21, 2026, the award-winning singer shared stunning reels on Instagram, featuring aso-oke pieces from The Heritage Collection, her limited-edition partnership with Lagos-based luxury brand Zephans and Co.

The collection officially launches on March 1, 2026, at www.zephansandco.com. This marks a significant milestone for Zephans and Co as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. Created over the past six months, The Heritage Collection honors African creativity through rich fabrics like aso-oke, the iconic handwoven cloth deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and Nigerian tradition. 

In her heartfelt caption for the first reel, Yemi wrote: “SOMEBODY PINCH ME… Creating the HERITAGE Collection with @zephansandco was a journey into identity, culture, and power expressed through the richness of traditional Nigerian woven fabrics. Every thread tells a story. Every piece carries LEGACY.”  

The second reel conveyed pure poetic energy, with the caption: “Like A Tree by the water side, Rooted. Bold. Unapologetic. The Heritage Collection lands March 1. Are you ready?” 

In both videos, Yemi radiates confidence as she wears the standout aso-oke gown from the collection. The fabric’s intricate patterns, vibrant yet elegant colors, and structured yet flowing shape showcase the craftsmanship that Zephans and Co is known for.

Paired with her glowing skin and signature braided bun, the look is both regal and approachable. This is exactly the kind of statement piece the collection aims to provide for the modern woman who wants to be seen by how she is dressed.

This is not just another celebrity collaboration; it is a deeply personal project for Yemi. She described the nine-month creative journey as a testament to growth and lifestyle. It merges fashion with her beauty line, YEM Beauty, to create a complete heritage experience where strength meets glow, and confidence doesn’t need permission. The limited-edition aso-oke collection is designed for women who command attention when they enter a room, redefining how fashion and beauty connect in African luxury.  

Zephans and Co, dedicated to promoting African textiles and craftsmanship, found the ideal partner in Yemi Alade. The brand’s 10-year celebration aligns beautifully with Yemi’s own path of global influence while staying grounded in her Nigerian identity. Fans have already filled the comments with excitement; calls for pre-orders poured in within hours of the posts.  

Yemi Alade emerged on the scene in 2009 after winning the Peak Talent Show and signing with Effyzzie Music Group. Hits like “Johnny,” “Mama Africa,” and “Brown Sugar” solidified her as a continental powerhouse. Her 2014 debut album, King of Queens, and follow-ups Mama Africa: The Diary of an African Woman (2016) and Black Magic (2017) earned her international praise. She has continued to release multiple projects, including the 2021 album Queendoncom and the 2023 EP African Baddie, consistently promoting African sounds and stories worldwide.  

Beyond music, Yemi has boldly entered film and production. She made her official acting debut in the 2019 short film Home, which she also executive-produced as a visual companion to her single of the same name. The project featured Nollywood legend Clarion Chukwura and showcased Yemi’s natural acting skills and storytelling vision.

The Mama Africa appeared in Beyoncé’s 2020 visual album Black Is King and the 2020 comedy The Valet. Her soundtrack work has also shone brightly; at the AFRIMA 2026 awards in January, she won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for the song “You Are” from the animated series Iyanu.  

Her recent fashion moments have also been remarkable. In February 2025, she caught attention at the Grammys in beautiful Edo traditional bridal attire, sparking global conversations about African designers. 

At AFRIMA 2026, she presented red-carpet elegance in a stunning gown while accepting her award. Whether dressed in all-white ensembles in music videos like “Worry” with Fave or vibrant Ankara styles that celebrate her roots, Yemi has established a reputation for supporting African designers and authentic cultural expression.

The Heritage Collection represents a natural progression; a full-circle moment for the singer, who proudly waves the African flag while creating wearable pieces that embody that pride.  

The collaboration also showcases Yemi’s business skills. With her beauty line, YEM Beauty, gaining traction, pairing it with The Heritage Collection builds a lifestyle brand rooted in African excellence. 

As she hinted in her caption, “We’ve been building something that redefines how fashion and beauty work together.” 

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In a time when African fashion is getting unprecedented global attention, from runway shows in Paris and New York to celebrity endorsements, Yemi Alade’s Aso-Oke Collection with Zephans and Co stands out for its authenticity. 

Aso-oke, once reserved for ceremonies and royalty, is now being redesigned for everyday luxury and modern wardrobes. The collection offers pieces that honor tradition while providing options for the contemporary woman, whether she is closing deals in the boardroom or commanding the stage.  

With the official launch just days away on March 1, 2026, excitement is building. Fashion enthusiasts across Nigeria, the diaspora, and beyond are already marking their calendars, eager to own a piece of legacy crafted by two forces who understand the power of dressing with intention.

Photo: Instagram/yemialade