Style and music have always been intertwined. People are always interested in the fashion of their favourite music artists and are also heavily influenced by them. An artist’s style transcends mere physical appeal; it is a medium for self-expression and a way to convey intrinsic messages about their brand. Aesthetics and sophistication are also important elements, especially in the entertainment scene.
For artists at the forefront of the industry, there’s pressure to always stay on top of their style and own it. Having an authentic fashion sense goes a long way in evoking an artist’s expression and adding an extra layer of uniqueness to their brands. From tours to events to day-to-day lifestyle, an artist’s personal style is an important element and narrative.
As Afrobeats continue to garner global attention, artists are also becoming fashion icons. But these artists aren’t entirely responsible for all the dazzling looks we often see; that’s the role of a stylist. A good stylist ensures that their clients have personalized detailing that reflects them.
Behind the glitz and glamour, here are the Nigerian stylists doing ground-breaking work–styling your favorite Afrobeat artists.
Ronami Ogulu
If you aren’t familiar with Burna Boy’s team, it might be news to you that his younger sister, Ronami Ogulu, is the visionary behind all of his well-put-together outfits. After transitioning from investment banking, Ogulu decided to focus on being a stylist and creative director. Officially styling Burna Boy since 2018, she highlights his dynamic personality while putting him in the most intentional pieces, conscious of his branding and letting his quirky persona shine.
A strong believer in the power of detailing, Ogulu can spend hours ensuring every single stitch has a perfect finish.
For his remarkable Grammy Awards performance in 2021, Ogulu styled Burna Boy in a Custom Botter Paris convertible suit with gun tags made from recycled plastic material, creating an iconic fashion moment. Her impact on his style has influenced his representation as an international fashion icon. When styling him, Ogulu infuses unconventionality, as a major theme, aligning and mirroring his brand as a non-conformist.
Ugo Mozie
Ugo Mozie has always been into fashion. At 18, he debuted his first fashion line, Aston Mozie, and has since become one of the top celebrity stylists globally. Mozie’s clientele includes some of the biggest stars in Hollywood like Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Travis Scott, and even Beyonce.
One of his latest stylings includes Adekunle Gold—aka AG Baby—whose style rebrand into an evocative, daring, and stylish popstar has been one of the most exciting in recent times. Mozie styled Adekunle Gold in a pink Dolce and Gabbana shirt, reflecting Gold’s affinity for bold colours and balancing it out with classic Balmain pants.
As an OG stylist, Mozie understands the balance of style and tapers around it often, which is why it is no surprise that he’s the go-to stylist for fashionable superstars who are keen on making statements.
Swazzi
Swazzi believes a music video is like a canvas, and an artist’s style in that visual is an opportunity to convey a message and a chance to self-express. From Asake’s quirky outfits in the Organise video to his culturally eccentric white outfit in Terminator, Swazzi takes his assignments quite seriously. Styling a fashion-forward Afrobeat artist in his prime must have been daunting for an emerging stylist, but Swazzi is no rookie. His self-awareness goes a long way in setting him apart from the pool of young, formidable fashion stylists in Nigeria. Swazzi has also styled the likes of Naira Marley, Zinoleesky, and Tiwa Savage. Just like Asake, perhaps it’s Swazzi’s time too.
Tee Dosunmu
The CEO of Blac Ribbon Clothing and ace celebrity stylist, Tee Dosunmu, is behind most of Wizkid’s fashionable looks. Wizkid, being one of the biggest artists in the history of Afrobeats, has quite the style persona—laid-back, cool, with a bit of edge. For Dosunmu, the idea is to put Wizkid in the most comfortable and feel-good pieces, and he’s been doing so since 2017. From blogging, to personal shopping for Reminisce and Davido, to finally becoming a fashion consultant and stylist, Tee Dosunmu has done it all, and all of this knowledge comes in handy when assembling pieces for Big Wiz.
Dunsin Wright
Tems’ growth from an upcoming act to a global superstar is one of the most fascinating stories in Afrobeats history. Even more, enthralling is her style evolution over the years. Her stylist, Dunsin Wright, has a somewhat similar story. From a career and degree in International Relations to working in Fashion PR and eventually becoming a fashion stylist. Look after look, Dunsin makes it clear that this is no quick stint; she’s a superb stylist, and her work speaks for itself.
Her most popular looks are Tems’ at the Met Gala, the widely spoken about Oscars dress, and The Grammys glowy ensemble. Wright, whose personal style is very expressive and daring, makes sure that her client and friend, Tems, goes everywhere, every day, a show-stopper.
As Afrobeats continue to thrive globally, these style geniuses are responsible for creating several remarkable fashion moments, helping artists continue to show up in the most fashionable ensembles. They are at the forefront of creating show-stopping moments, pushing style boundaries, and redefining mundane fashion norms.