Rwanda's Finest for Travel and Leisure

“Rwanda’s creative golden age is upon us — here are the artists that are ready to take the world by storm.” 

read the full story at TravelandLeisure.com >>

Cedric Mizero AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

From filmmakers in Nigeria to fashion designers in Senegal, Africa’s creative scene is bursting at the seams. And Rwanda, whose inspiring postwar transformation has ushered in a new wave of inventiveness, has a global influence that cannot be denied. So what is the picture of Rwanda that this new generation is painting? And how are these young talents building a creative community from the ground-up? To find out, I hit the streets of the capital city Kigali in search of the creatives that are writing the country’s next chapter.

read the full story at TravelandLeisure.com >>

ELVIS NGABO IN NYAMIRAMBO WEARING HOUSE OF TAYO, MOSHIONS, AND KTSOBE JEWELRY

“Rwanda’s culture has inspired my art work immeasurably. Our country's story is one that I reflect on constantly.”

—Mackson Maxmillian (left)

“As a model, I've witnessed the creative community evolving and growing every day, in large part thanks to the efforts of the government. With their help, we’re working to make Rwanda’s creative industry an economic powerhouse.”

—Rachel Neza (right)

WINNIE KALISSA in kimiranko market wearing moshions

“At the speed that the country is innovating, these young pioneers are poised to join the pantheon of Africa’s creative exports.”

Redefining Influence | CASSIUS x The Creative Collective NYC

Creative Specialist, Alexander-Julian, on how coming to terms with his own multi-dimensionality was the key to owning his voice and defining his niche.

— check out the full series on iONE Digital’s A Space For Creators >>

OkayAfrica | Alexander-Julian Gibbson Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Patoranking's New Music Video for 'Lenge Lenge'

“I think we're all a part of the aesthetic. As African culture becomes more and more widespread it's important that the story is told in full. African culture is not only about music. It's about fashion, dance, art and so much more and as these artists become globally recognized they will inevitably become the poster children for our rich culture. With that being said, it's crucial to have a supportive team of creatives behind them to help make sure that as they wear their countries on their back, the history these countries hold is portrayed accurately and in color.”

I spoke with Okay Africa to discuss working with Patoranking and putting together this homage moment to Fela Kuti and the 27 Kalakuta Queens .

Patoranking "Lenge Lenge" Music Video

Patoranking wearing Tolu Coker, models wearing FordamRowe, Studio 189, Eki Orleans, and Taylor Goldenberg

Patoranking wearing Jeweled by Lisa Folawiyo

Kalakuta Queens

Since Patoranking’s “Lenge Lenge" was heavily inspired by Fela Kuti, we decided to bring to life the aesthetic of the Kalakuta Queens—the 27 women who served as Fela’s muses and inspiration. We executed this by pulling 27 women from all over the continent to portray the contemporary African woman while still holding heavy ties to traditional hair and makeup styles. 

>> watch the full “Lenge Lenge” video here.