Afrobeats Stars, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Tyla Represent African Influence at 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, brought together notable figures from various creative fields under the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

The event, known for its fundraising efforts for the Costume Institute, showcased the influence of Black culture in fashion, music, literature, and the arts.

Nigerian music artists Tems, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr, as well as South African artist Tyla, were among the notable figures attending the gala.

These artists have gained international recognition through their work in Afrobeats, a genre that has seen significant global growth in recent years. Their participation highlighted the increasing representation of African talent at prominent cultural events.

British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, renowned for his work in modern tailoring, dressed several guests, including the aforementioned artists. The evening also marked Boateng’s 40th anniversary in the fashion industry, underscoring his continued influence in shaping contemporary Black style.

In addition to the musical artists, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie made her Met Gala debut as part of the Host Committee. Her attendance, along with other key figures such as Ayo Edebiri, Dapper Dan, and Janelle Monáe, further emphasized the diverse representation of Black culture at the event.

The Met Gala, chaired by LeBron James and co-chairs including Colman Domingo, ASAP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, has long served as a platform for highlighting cultural and historical narratives through fashion. This year’s focus on Black tailoring explored the ways in which personal style has been used as a form of expression and resistance within the Black community.

While major global fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Prada were present, the inclusion of African designers such as Ugo Mozie, Orange Culture, and Off-White highlighted the growing influence of African design in international fashion.

The 2025 Met Gala reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Costume Institute and preserving fashion’s role as an art form.

The event also provided a platform for African creatives to showcase their contributions to global culture and the arts.