January 2025 Highlights: Africa’s Creative Industry Shines Bright
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AFI Insider
The African creative industry kicked off 2025 with a bang, showcasing innovation, talent, and global influence across music, fashion, film, and literature.
From groundbreaking livestreamed concerts to dazzling appearances at Paris Fashion Week and Oscar nominations, January was a month of milestones.
Here are the highlights:
Tyla’s Historic Livestreamed Concert
South African sensation Tyla made history by hosting Africa’s first-ever livestreamed concert on Showmax, reaching audiences in over 40 countries.
Following Beyoncé’s Netflix livestream in December 2024, Tyla’s performance signalled a new era for concert consumption.
Fans who couldn’t attend in person experienced the show in real-time, proving that livestreaming could be the future of live entertainment. This innovative approach is set to inspire more African artists to embrace streaming platforms, making concerts accessible to a global audience.
Africa’s Finest Stars at Paris Fashion Week
The second week of January saw African stars lighting up Paris Fashion Week. Tyla and Tems, fresh off their Detty December appearances in Nigeria, reunited at the Jacquemus show.
Tyla turned heads in a daring black column dress with cutouts. The dress later modelled by Adriana Lima on the runway, while sitting front row next to Anna Wintour.
Uncle Waffles, who also DJ’d the afterparty, looked elegant in a beige look by the brand.
Waffles also attended the KidSuper show alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Omah Lay. Lay also turned heads at the Paradis show with the checkered pattern blazer and wide-leg trousers with piled-on accessories.
Temi Otedola, L’Oréal Paris’ African digital ambassador, attended Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton show with her musician boyfriend, Mr Eazi.
Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Davido also made stylish appearances, with Davido’s muted yet chic outfit at the Amiri show sparking talks of a new style icon in the making.
African Designers Make A Splash at Paris Fashion Week
African designers continued to make waves on the global stage. Adeju Thompson of Lagos Space Programme showcased his latest collection during Menswear Week, earning praise for his innovative designs.
Meanwhile, Imane Ayissi of Cameroon and Sara Chraïbi of Maison Sara Chraibi returned to the Haute Couture calendar. Ayissi, known as the “Master of Raffia,” wowed audiences with his intricate craftsmanship and manipulation of raffia.
He also showed love for Kente fabric, transforming into modern dresses and kimono jackets.
After a one season break, Chraïbi returned with a collection celebrating Moroccan embroidery with a stunning metallic silver collection that was also inspired by the hues of the sky at dusk and sunset and the solar system.
South Africa’s Oscar Nomination
South Africa's film industry celebrated a major milestone as The Last Ranger, co-produced by media personality Anele Mdoda, received an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. Directed by Cindy Lee and starring Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza, the film is a spotlight on the plight of rhino poaching. It is also a highlight of the growing influence of African storytelling in global cinema.
Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone Adaptation
Nigerian author Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, Children of Blood and Bone, is currently in pre-production for its highly anticipated film adaptation. The star-studded cast includes Thuso Mbedu, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Lashana Lynch.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the script with Adeyemi, the film will bring African mythology to life on the big screen and is expected to hit cinemas in January 2027.
If January 2025 is anything to go by, it is a testament to the creativity and global impact of Africa’s creative industry. As we move further into the year, the world will undoubtedly continue to watch, listen, and be inspired by Africa’s creative brilliance.