Ciara Just Made Rolling Stone Africa History — An African Fashion Masterclass
There’s viral. Then there’s Ciara in a Korlekie crochet set, draped in Black-owned from crown to cuff. A cover so rich in culture, it paused the timeline.
Ciara became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa. And she showed out, draped in African Fashion.
If you missed it (somehow), she was photographed in rich textures, dreamy drapes, and bold hues.
But beyond the visuals? This cover did something we don’t see often enough: it highlighted African designers, Black Brands and diasporan creatives — and it didn’t water it down.
So, naturally, we had to break it down.
“The cover was a moment. A reminder that when global platforms centre Black creatives, magic happens.”
What Ciara Wore
To be honest, global fashion hasn’t always made space for African brands. Black stylists are often overlooked.
And African publications? Rarely given the budget or spotlight to create moments like this.
But this one hit different.
And the brands? Just chef’s kiss:
Korlekie (Ghana)- Luxe heritage crochet and storytelling silhouettes (Image 1&2).
Jaybz Signature (Nigeria) & Fathersland – Custom crochet that moves with you (Image 3).
Romzy Studio (Gabon/Senegal) - Dramatic fringe couture with a sculptural flair (Image 4).
Sources: Credits and photos are drawn from the Rolling Stone Africa cover story.
The Black Professionals Behind It All
Shot by Vince Boussamba Oyaya, styled by Marni Senofonte and Deonte “DeO” Nash, and championed by Rolling Stone Africa’s Editor-in-Chief Gwen Madiba, the shoot brought together a dream team of Black professionals behind and in front of the lens.
Vince Boussamba Oyaya (DRC) – A Congolese-born photographer and visual artist known for his rich, cinematic portraits that celebrate Black beauty and global African identity.
Yolonda Frederick (USA) – An award-winning celebrity makeup artist whose signature looks have graced icons like Ciara and Usher, celebrated for enhancing textured skin tones with precision and glow.
Davontae’ Washington (USA) – A renowned hairstylist and textured hair specialist who’s worked with top-tier talent, blending editorial artistry with protective styling expertise.
Gwen Madiba - Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Africa, cultural curator, and advocate spotlighting African excellence through storytelling, fashion, and media.
Jasmine - A visionary lead creative director who orchestrates powerful, fashion-forward editorials rooted in Black storytelling and global aesthetics.
Kevin - A dynamic videographer and visual storyteller capturing culture, style, and motion with a lens rooted in authenticity and artistry.
“This is more than just a cover, it’s a cultural communion. A tribute. A bridge. A celebration of Afro-descendant brilliance.”
What We Wished We Saw
As much as we loved what we saw, we couldn’t help but dream a little.
We get it — shoot logistics, timelines, styling constraints. But part of supporting the ecosystem means making space for emerging and continental-based brands.
Africa’s fashion scene is vast, and every editorial moment is an opportunity to show more of it.
Ciara looked gorgeous in incredible brands like Lilian Shalom and Rowen Rose.
Sure, Iconic, but we wished we had seen a little Raya Jewellery moment in there or a Banke Kuku ensemble. Or maybe TJWho.
Because this was a moment to push our luxury too.
Still, this is a win. A big one.
To see Rolling Stone create a space specifically for the continent — and then choose a Black woman like Ciara, with global resonance and pan-African pride — says a lot about where we’re headed.
Fashion is storytelling. Covers are documentation. This moment is history.
Why MBG Cares
Because moments like this remind us why MBG exists.
Ciara? She showed us the how — how to wear Black-owned and look like a cover girl doing it.
But MBG? We show you the where — where to find these brands, where to discover more, and where to plug in.
Manifesting the Next Muse…
Now that Ciara’s raised the bar, we’re looking ahead.
Here’s who we’re manifesting as the next Black or African trailblazer on the cover.
And guess what? When they do, we’ll be right here, shouting them out and making sure you know exactly where to find the looks.
Temi Otedola — the luxury it-girl with quiet power and a closet full of African brands
Ayra Starr — A Gen Z Afropop powerhouse from Nigeria whose sound, style, and star power is unapologetically young, fresh, and African.
Duckie Thot — The South Sudanese-Australian model and beauty icon known for her striking editorial presence and global runway influence
The next girl YOU nominate — we’re listening and we know Rolling Stone Africa is too.
How to Keep This Energy Going
Fashion is documentation. Moments like this? They matter. Let’s make sure when the world’s watching, they see the full picture — designers, stylists, creatives and all.
Support the brands you see featured on these covers — and the ones you don’t.
Use MBG’s directory to discover Black-owned brands by location, budget, or category.
Tag your faves. Talk about them. Book them. Buy them.
