Africana set for a cultural Deja Vu with Benin culture

Africana Couture has unveiled an exciting initiative to weave the vibrant cultural legacy of ancient Benin into its upcoming fashion show.

The goal, according to them, is to create a captivating experience that authentically showcases the intricate blend of Nigerian culture and storytelling, accentuating the historical significance and artistic brilliance of ancient Benin Royal traditions.

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The founder of Africana Couture, Charles Oronsaye, made these known at a press conference in Wuse, Abuja where he unveiled plans for the upcoming fashion show titled “Royal Oath,” which promises to be a captivating reenactment of an 18th-century royal wedding from the Benin Kingdom.

This historical celebration features the marriage of Oba Ewuare to two sisters, and as part of the festivities, the event will showcase other Obas from various kingdoms in Benin paying homage to the king.

In his remarks, Charles emphasized that the Royal Oath fashion show aims to highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, effectively bridging the gap between the past and present.

He expressed his belief that by reviving traditional elements of Nigerian culture through fashion, the event will foster a greater sense of unity among the country’s diverse populations.

Charles further articulated the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, stressing that it serves as a valuable resource that must be retold to future generations.

On the economic significance of the Royal Oath, Charles pointed out that the event will help create jobs for photographers, stylists, costumiers, and other artists within the fashion space that will be present.

He said it will also serve as an inspiring platform for aspiring fashion designers, showcasing their talents and creativity to a broader audience.

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“It is the first time in history that we are looking at the fashion theatre in Africa.
We are sticking to culture, we are not borrowing stories. Rather than call it a summer collection or winter collection, we have chosen to tell our own rich story.

The rich history of the Benin kingdom will be in the spotlight.

It’s very wide and this happens every year as well.

We intend to incubate aspiring designers, bring them on board and train them in our factory.

We also plan to create prize competitions that will help people grow organically in the system,” he said.

Also, The Chief Executive Officer, Joy Osadolor emphasized the need to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage through artistic forms like the Royal Oath fashion show.

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She further reiterated that Africana Couture has always been invested in building capacity among aspiring designers through its platform.

She said: “The Royal Oath is purely designed to preserve and teach the beauty and depth of Benin culture.

The Africana brand has always been known to employ skilled and unskilled. Most of our staff are not graduates, our tailors are people with skills, and the training we offer makes them better.”