The 2025 Met Gala, held on Monday night at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, was a dazzling showcase of culture, fashion, and artistry. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked the first menswear-centered gala since 2003.
Inspired by the Costume Institute’s exploration of the “Black dandy,” the theme highlighted how Black style and fashion have shaped identity across the Atlantic diaspora.
African celebrities emerged as major highlights of the evening, interpreting the theme with bold creativity and cultural pride. From Nigeria to South Africa, Ghana to Senegal, their presence elevated the conversation around fashion and heritage.
Burna Boy, the Grammy-winning Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, returned to the Met Gala in a custom Ozwald Boateng suit that radiated African sophistication. The Port Harcourt native embodied the theme’s essence, blending traditional influence with modern tailoring.
Tyla, the South African pop star behind the global hit Water, made her second appearance on the Met Gala red carpet. As a member of the host committee, Tyla turned heads in a tailored piece that emphasized her dual role as a fashion trendsetter and cultural ambassador.
Making her debut, Ayra Starr, the 22-year-old Nigerian Afropop star, sparkled in a dynamic ensemble that fused youthful vibrancy with regal elegance. Her red carpet moment was a proud milestone for West African music and fashion.
Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse, brought an air of refined glamour with a tailored gown that reflected her genre-blending artistry. It was her second Met Gala, and she used it to emphasize the grace and depth of African influence.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi, the Ghanaian-American culinary maestro, not only walked the carpet in style but also curated the evening’s menu. His presence symbolized the fusion of African creativity across fashion and cuisine.
Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, a seasoned Met Gala icon, stunned in a powder-blue tailored piece that combined elegance with a touch of avant-garde flair. Her cape detail paid homage to Afro-futurism and timeless grace.
Jude Dontoh, co-founder of Ghana’s Tribe of God label, debuted on the carpet beside music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill. His look fused traditional tailoring with streetwear edge, signaling a new era of Ghanaian fashion influence.
Finally, Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, brought playful sophistication with a suit adorned in pocket watches—merging humor and haute couture in a nod to time and tradition.
Together, these African stars redefined Black dandyism on the world’s biggest fashion stage, cementing their influence in shaping the global narrative of style and identity.
