Fally Ipupa, the Congolese music icon known for blending Afrobeat, rumba, and contemporary sounds, has once again captivated audiences with his latest single, Mayanga. Released on March 29, 2025, this song is more than just music—it’s a cultural tribute to African women and their beauty.

A collaboration with Vlisco, a leading African fashion brand, Mayanga seamlessly merges music and fashion to highlight the confidence, identity, and strength of African femininity.

History of Vilisco

Vlisco, a Dutch textile company founded in 1846, has played a pivotal role in shaping African fashion despite its European origins. Initially created to replicate Indonesian batik using roller printing technology, Vlisco’s fabrics failed to gain traction in Indonesia but found an enthusiastic market in West Africa.

African women quickly embraced the bold designs, and over time, the company adapted its patterns and colors to align with regional tastes and cultural significance.

By the mid-20th century, Vlisco had become a symbol of African identity, with its prints often telling unique stories—such as the “La Famille” design, which reflects family dynamics through symbolic imagery.

Today, despite competition from cheaper imitations, Vlisco remains a cornerstone of West and Central African fashion, producing over 350,000 unique designs while maintaining its reputation for quality, heritage, and cultural relevance.

ALSO READ: Designers’ Spotlight: Tessy Oliseh-Amaize’s Bold Vision for Luxury

The Meaning Behind Mayanga

The title Mayanga, meaning “The Incredible”, reflects themes of admiration, love, and empowerment. The song serves as a love letter to African women, particularly those who wear Vlisco fabrics, which have long been symbols of self-expression and heritage. Through this track, Fally Ipupa not only showcases his signature smooth vocals and rhythmic beats but also reinforces the idea of unity, sisterhood, and cultural pride.

ALSO READ: Yemi Alade: A Grammy Nominee Celebrating a Milestone Achievement

A Stunning Visual Experience

Accompanying the song is a visually striking music video filmed in Ivory Coast. Directed by the acclaimed Daniel Obasi, the video features stunning fashion pieces by Loza Maléombho, a designer celebrated for her ability to merge modern and traditional African aesthetics. The video is a vibrant portrayal of African identity, elegance, and resilience, perfectly aligning with Vlisco’s ongoing campaign, The Garden of Sisterhood.

The Power of Music and Fashion in African Culture

Mayanga is not just a song—it’s a cultural movement. Through this collaboration, Vlisco continues its mission to uplift and celebrate African women beyond the world of fashion. The brand’s bold prints and luxurious fabrics serve as a visual representation of strength, dignity, and heritage, making their partnership with Fally Ipupa a natural fit.

Fally Ipupa’s ability to infuse traditional African rhythms with contemporary beats has made him one of the most influential artists on the continent. Mayanga follows his signature style, bringing together Afrobeat, rumba, and modern production to create a song that is both timeless and relevant.

Conclusion

With Mayanga, Fally Ipupa continues to push artistic boundaries, merging music, fashion, and cultural storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with his audience. This collaboration with Vlisco reinforces the celebration of African heritage, making the song not just a hit, but an ode to the power, confidence, and grace of African women.

Tanzanian model, singer, and entrepreneur Hamisa Mobetto recently tied the knot with Ivorian footballer Stephane Aziz Ki in a wedding that captivated fans across Africa. The couple’s union, celebrated in a stunning ceremony at the Nnuur Mosque in Dar es Salaam on February 16, 2025, was followed by a lavish reception on February 19.

Credit : @Hamisa Mobetto & @Aziz Ki’s

While the extravagant nature of the celebrations, including a bride price of 30 cows and TSh30 million, sparked widespread attention, the fashion on display was equally breathtaking. From Hamisa’s regal bridal ensembles to the dapper groom’s attire and the impeccable outfits worn by the guests, this wedding was a true fashion spectacle.

Hamisa Mobetto’s Stunning Bridal Looks

1. The Elegant Nikkah Dress

For the Islamic wedding ceremony, Hamisa Mobetto opted for a breathtaking white and gold gown with intricate embroidery. The dress, designed in a modest yet luxurious style, featured a high neckline, long sleeves, and exquisite beading. She complemented her look with an elegant hijab, perfectly draped, adding an ethereal touch. The delicate gold accents on the gown shimmered under the lights, making her look like royalty.

2. The Grand Reception Look

For the reception, Hamisa made a dramatic entrance in a dazzling couture gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Designed by a top African designer, the dress showcased a structured bodice, a voluminous layered train, and hand-stitched embellishments that radiated opulence. The deep champagne hue of the gown added a unique touch, setting her apart from traditional bridal colors.

3. The Traditional Attire

Embracing her African roots, Hamisa also wore a beautifully crafted kitenge outfit for a special cultural segment of the celebrations. The Ankara fabric featured a rich mix of gold and royal blue prints, symbolizing prosperity and elegance. She accessorized with statement jewelry and a matching gele (headwrap), exuding Afrocentric sophistication.

Stephane Aziz Ki’s Dashing Groom Looks

1. The Classic Ivory Tuxedo

For the Nikkah ceremony, Aziz Ki looked dapper in an ivory tuxedo with gold detailing, perfectly complementing Hamisa’s bridal ensemble. The tailored fit, paired with a crisp white shirt and gold bow tie, gave him a regal yet modern look.

2. The Luxe Reception Suit

During the grand reception, Aziz Ki switched to a sharp black and gold tuxedo. The custom design featured intricate embroidery on the lapels, adding an element of luxury. His polished black loafers and diamond-studded cufflinks completed the sophisticated ensemble.

3. The Cultural Attire

Matching Hamisa’s African-inspired look, Aziz Ki donned a richly woven agbada in deep navy blue and gold embroidery, embracing his West African heritage. The traditional outfit was a standout moment, showcasing the seamless blend of East and West African influences at the wedding.

Fashion Highlights from the Guests

The star-studded wedding saw a parade of stylish guests, including celebrities, influencers, and dignitaries who brought their A-game to the celebration. Some standout fashion moments included:

• Tanzanian Actress Wema Sepetu in a deep emerald green mermaid gown with intricate beadwork.
• Fashion mogul Jokate Mwegelo in a structured gold and burgundy gown, exuding regal elegance.
• Ivorian footballers and groomsmen in custom-tailored tuxedos, setting a new standard for wedding guest style.
• Bridesmaids in champagne and rose gold satin dresses, complementing Hamisa’s opulent bridal attire.
• Also Read: The Modern Evolution of the Gele Style & Pride

Conclusion

Hamisa Mobetto and Stephane Aziz Ki’s wedding was not just a union of love but also a celebration of cultural elegance and high fashion. Every outfit—from the bride’s regal gowns to the groom’s sharp tuxedos and the guests’ exquisite ensembles—reflected a blend of tradition, modernity, and luxury. This wedding has undoubtedly set a new standard for style in East African celebrity nuptials, inspiring fashion lovers across the continent.

Which outfit from the wedding was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The highly anticipated Reel Love movie premiere took place on February 10, 2025, at Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, drawing Nollywood’s biggest stars and fashion icons. With an elegant red carpet event ahead of its Valentine’s Day release, the premiere was a dazzling affair, filled with show-stopping looks. Here’s a roundup of the best-dressed celebrities who stole the show.

A Night of Glitz and Glamour

The red carpet was nothing short of spectacular, with celebrities showcasing impeccable style. Leading man Timini Egbuson, who also served as the film’s co-executive producer, turned heads in a deep burgundy velvet blazer with an asymmetric lapel. Dakore Egbuson-Akande exuded power and elegance in a pink suit adorned with shimmering embellishments. The night was a true fashion spectacle, with stars like Funke Akindele, Bimbo Ademoye, Shaffy Bello, and Muyiwa Ademola making bold style statements.

1. Timini Egbuson

2. Jeremiah Ogbodo

3. Olufunke Akindele

Image Credit; Olufunke Akindele

4. Ima Monday

Insagram Image; dressedin_ima

Styling @by_mickeycreates
Photographer @edos_artistry
Dress @dressedin_ima

ALSO READ: 24 UNIQUE AGBADA FOR MEN TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE YOU CAN ROCK

5. Dakore Egbuson-Akande

Creative Director: @dakoreea
Styling: @kayito_n
Suit: Custom @sevondejana

6. Ego Nwosu

Image Credit; egonwosu

Styling @styl.addiction
Makeup @makeupkwin
Photography @officialphotofreak

7. TIJANI ABOH ALEXANDER

Image Credit;iamtjan_

Wearing/ @orangecultureng
Styled by / @_thedemola
Photos/ @thomfelix_concept

8. Shaun Okojie

Image Credit; Shaun Okojie

📸 : @kosi_lifestyle
Stylist : @yomo_daj

ALSO READ: Afronoista Dresses That Will Be Perfect For Church

9. Anita Ukah

10. Dr. Akin Faminu

A Love Story with a Twist

Directed by the talented Kayode Kasum, Reel Love promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance and drama with unexpected plot twists. As the audience at the premiere got a first look at the film, the chemistry between Timini Egbuson and Bimbo Ademoye became a major talking point, leaving fans eager to see how their on-screen relationship unfolds.

A Momentous Milestone for Timini Egbuson

This premiere marked a significant moment for Timini Egbuson, who has taken a step beyond acting into the realm of executive production. His involvement in Reel Love signals a new era for his career, as he continues to shape and influence Nollywood’s evolving storytelling landscape.

Final Thoughts

With its electrifying premiere, Reel Love has set the stage for a spectacular Valentine’s Day release. Fans can expect a blend of passion, drama, and surprises, making it a must-watch film for the season of love.