Africa’s Music Stars Shine at MET Gala, But Miss the Mark on Fashion Representation

Africa’s Music Stars Miss the Mark on Fashion Representation

Bellanaija

The 2025 MET Gala may have been a night of global glamour, but the appearance of African music stars like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tyla, and Tems left questions about what it means to represent the continent’s fashion identity on a world stage. These artists have consistently pushed the boundaries of music and culture, but when it came to style at one of fashion’s most influential events, their choices reflected more of a Western template than an African one.

Tems: Almost African, But Not Quite

Vogue

Tems appeared in an outfit that at first glance nodded toward African fashion sensibilities—structured and dramatic, with a high collar and flowing layers—but the overall execution strayed into the ambiguous. It wasn’t immediately clear if it referenced any specific tradition, textile, or tailoring technique native to any African region. The styling leaned heavily into haute couture abstraction, leaving little cultural clarity. In a world where representation is closely tied to detail, Tems’ ensemble came across as inspired rather than rooted.

Burna Boy and Ayra Starr: Stylish, But Detached

Vogue

Burna Boy, often praised for fusing bold West African culture into his music. However, he opted for a sleek Western suit at the MET. While elegant, it offered no reflection of his heritage or the fashion histories he regularly celebrates in his music.

Vogue

Similarly, Ayra Starr wore a shimmering ensemble that looked more in line with Los Angeles runways than Lagos or Accra streets. These were outfits for the moment, not for the memory.

Bellanaija

Tyla: A Global Star Dressed for Global Approval

South African sensation Tyla, fresh from her international chart successes, continued to embrace the minimalist, sculptural approach that has defined her recent public appearances. However, her MET Gala look bore no traces of South African cultural aesthetics—no homage to traditional fabrics, jewelry, or silhouettes. Her look, like those of her peers, seemed crafted more for fitting into a global norm than standing out with regional pride.

Bellanaija

Western Fashion Still Holds the Mic

The MET Gala is a Western institution, and unsurprisingly, most guests dress to match its expectations. But for African stars breaking barriers globally, such events offer rare opportunities to do more than look good—they can challenge the narrative. African fashion is not a costume or novelty; it’s centuries of style, expression, and identity. Yet even with a growing number of African stylists and designers gaining ground globally, many stars continue to default to European luxury houses or neutral glam looks that erase the uniqueness of where they come from.

In the rush to be seen, Africa’s stars must not forget to be remembered—for their roots, their stories, and the bold beauty of their origins. The stage is theirs; the fabric should be too.