Nigerian Streetwear Takes Center Stage at XII Lagos’ Street Shakara Season 5

On Sunday, December 15th, the vibrant streets of Lagos came alive as XII Lagos hosted the fifth edition of its Street Shakara fashion competition at 12 Glover Road, Ikoyi. themed “Our Culture, Our Fashion on the Streets, No Holds Barred”. The event was a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and creativity, celebrating Nigeria’s cultural richness and its bold expression through streetwear. Emerging designer Enemona Frank stole the spotlight, taking home the grand prize of ₦2.5 million with a groundbreaking collection that reimagined traditional African fabrics into sleek, contemporary silhouettes.

For Enemona Frank, the evening was nothing short of transformative. “It’s a validation of my design aesthetic and a reminder that African creativity is powerful and deserves global recognition,” he shared. His collection, inspired by Nigeria’s vibrant multiculturalism, was a celebration of diversity and harmony. “This collection is about proudly embracing what makes us unique as Nigerians and Africans,” he added. Every piece was a testament to his ability to merge the past and present, transforming cultural motifs into wearable art that resonated with a modern audience.

With just 10 days to execute his vision, Enemona juggled sketching, fabric sourcing, and crafting every piece by hand. “The biggest challenge for me was finance, but I powered through. Creating this collection on my own proved that with determination, anything is possible,” he reflected. His resilience and ingenuity shone through, earning him not just the prize but also the admiration of attendees and judges alike.

The event also recognized runners-up Esther Okonta and Peace Micheal, who earned ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million, respectively. Their collections stood out for their bold textures, intricate details, and innovative use of African motifs, presenting fresh perspectives on the fusion of heritage and modernity.

Morenikeji Adebola, Project Manager of Street Shakara, underscored the competition’s impact: “Street Shakara is about giving young designers a voice. Beyond the prize money, we’re creating opportunities for them to introduce their work to the Nigerian market and beyond. These designers are shaping the future of fashion by blending our rich heritage with contemporary silhouettes, and we are proud to support that journey.”

The evening wasn’t just about the competition—it was an immersive experience celebrating African creativity. XII Lagos debuted their Rebirth Collection, a bold reinterpretation of African street fashion, captivating attendees with its fearless designs. The atmosphere buzzed with electrifying performances from The Dreamcatchers and musical acts like Loti, Canvas, and The Clay. Gourmet offerings by Da Chef and a lively afterparty further elevated the night, creating a vibrant space where designers, judges, and fashion enthusiasts could connect.

For Enemona, the platform has opened doors he once only dreamed of. “With the prize money, I can invest in my business. I plan to purchase more sewing machines, mannequins, and quality equipment to improve production. This win has given me the tools to expand my brand and make a bigger impact in the fashion industry,” he said. He also aims to enhance his brand’s online presence with better content and equipment, positioning himself to reach a global audience.

Street Shakara Season 5 was more than an event; it was a statement. It reaffirmed African streetwear’s role in the global fashion narrative as bold, fearless, and unapologetically authentic. By spotlighting designers like Enemona Frank, XII Lagos continues to champion the future of African fashion, proving that its stories, styles, and voices belong on the world stage. 

For exclusive highlights and behind-the-scenes content from this landmark event, follow @Xiilagos on social media.