This year, the red carpet came alive with unparalleled creativity and show-stopping fashion moments, cementing 2024 as a year to remember. From Tyla’s groundbreaking sand-inspired Balmain gown at the Met Gala to Toke Makinwa’s sculptural masterpiece at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs), African celebrities showcased a new era of bold, innovative, and deeply personal style. Whether celebrating heritage, embracing avant-garde silhouettes, or leaning into archival couture, these stars reminded us why the red carpet is the ultimate stage for fashion’s most theatrical expressions.
As the global calendar overflowed with premieres, awards ceremonies, and galas, it’s remarkable how celebrities and their stylists continually elevated the red-carpet game. The dedication to creating unforgettable fashion moments has only intensified, resulting in a visual feast that has inspired the world. Below, we take a closer look at the standout moments from African celebrities who owned the red carpet in 2024.
Tyla’s Sand-Sculpted Masterpiece: A Met Gala Debut to Remember
Superstar Tyla made her Met Gala debut in an awe-inspiring Balmain gown that blurred the lines between fashion and art. The theme, Garden of Time, inspired creative director Olivier Rousteing to craft a gown from sculpted sand—a poetic nod to the sands of time. The result was an ephemeral, otherworldly creation that solidified Tyla as a global style icon.
Bonang Matheba: Reigning Supreme in Veekee James at the Miss South Africa Pageant
Media mogul and perennial fashion darling Bonang Matheba reclaimed her crown as the queen of the red carpet while hosting the prestigious Miss South Africa pageant. Her turquoise and green Veekee James gown, with its vibrant hues and masterful construction, set the tone for a night of glamour. Matheba’s ability to marry boldness with elegance is why she remains a trusted name in high fashion.
Bonang Matheba: Effortless Glamour in Sheyeoladejo
For her third look of the night, Bonang Matheba captivated in a breathtaking champagne silk gown by Nigerian luxury fashion house Sheyeoladejo. The figure-hugging silhouette exuded understated elegance, while bold floral embellishments and a sweeping train elevated the ensemble to regal heights. Styled with subtle rose gold jewellery and matching champagne earrings, the look perfectly embodied the mantra “less is more.” Every detail, from the lustrous silk fabric to the refined accessories, showcased Bonang’s ability to make simplicity feel undeniably opulent.
Chioma Ikoku: Lush Artisanal Glamour
Chioma Ikoku, the media personality and The Real Housewives of Lagos star, dazzled in a gold and caramel gown by Nigerian designer Weizdhurm Franklyn for her first look at the prestigious AMVCAs. The gown showcased a corset adorned with gold petal embellishments, creating an ethereal, almost sculptural effect. The deconstructed train added a playful yet elegant touch, allowing the design to feel modern while maintaining a timeless appeal. Ikoku’s decision to keep her accessories minimal ensured that all eyes remained on the intricate craftsmanship of her gown. It was a look that spoke of confidence, sophistication, and an appreciation for artisanal design.
Priscy Ojo: Regal Elegance with a Modern Twist at the Bridgerton Season 3 Premiere
Nigerian actress Priscy Ojo delivered an unforgettable red-carpet moment, seamlessly blending the drama of cinema with couture sophistication. Her pale green ball gown, crafted by the renowned Nigerian bridal label Xtrabrideslagos, evoked a sense of regal grace. The voluminous silhouette of the gown, paired with a statement hat, created a look that felt both classic and contemporary. From her sleek updo to the intricate details of the dress, Ojo exuded an effortless grandeur that cemented her as one of the best-dressed stars of the year.
Toke Makinwa: Pushing Boundaries with Sculptural Couture at the AMVCAs
Toke Makinwa redefined red-carpet dressing at the 10th Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, where she stunned in an avant-garde gown by Veekee James. The hand-painted silver-grey creation featured double-tiered flares and a circular cutout, seamlessly blending architectural precision with sensual artistry. Paired with sleek hair, sultry makeup, and exquisite gem jewellery, Toke’s look was nothing short of a masterpiece—proof that fashion is, indeed, wearable art.
Nana Akua Addo: A Vision in 3D Elegance
Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo dazzled once again at the AMVCAs, donning a 3D-engineered Heidi Lee gown reminiscent of Beyoncé’s own show-stopping looks. Known for her fearless approach to fashion, Addo demonstrated why she’s a fixture on best-dressed lists year after year.
LootLove’s Show-Stopping Golden Moment at the Metro Awards
Media personality LootLove commanded attention with her opulent on-stage looks at the 2024 Metro Awards. Her opening outfit, a gold-embellished gown by Orapeleng Modutle of OM Style Avenue, was a study in drama and elegance. Featuring raised sleeves and a figure-hugging silhouette, the gown exuded a regal presence befitting the night’s grandeur.
Kim Oprah: Volumes of Glamour at the Bridgerton Season 3 Premiere
Reality star and style maven Kim Oprah turned heads with her dramatic take on red-carpet glamour. The Big Brother Naija alum chose a voluminous brown gown that demanded attention with its theatrical construction. Complementing the dramatic silhouette, her white flared sleeves added a touch of contrast and elegance. Topping it all off was her sculptural updo, a nod to vintage sophistication. Oprah’s look was a masterclass in balancing boldness and refinement, making her one of the standout stars of the season.
Uche Montana: Romance & Drama in Crimson and Gold at the AMVCAs
Uche Montana turned heads at the AMVCAs in a crimson-and-gold Veekee James gown that epitomised luxury. The design incorporated intricate lacework, sheer detailing, and a dramatic train trimmed with feathers. The gown’s heart-shaped bodice added a romantic touch, making Montana one of the evening’s most memorable stars.
Sithelo Shozi: A Siren of the Sea at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Sithelo Shozi embodied oceanic elegance at the Hollywoodbets Durban July with a crystal-adorned gown by Owethu Sidoyi. Complete with a minimalist cape, the look evoked a siren of the sea, perfectly aligning with the event’s Ride the Wave theme. Shozi’s ability to merge simplicity with grandeur made this ensemble an instant classic.
Osas Ighodaro: Mermaid Magic in 3D Couture
Award-winning actress Osas Ighodaro graced the AMVCAs in a striking brown 3D mermaid gown. Featuring an hourglass silhouette and a fishtail hem, the dress captured a perfect balance between classic glamour and modern design, securing Ighodaro’s place among the evening’s best dressed.
African Red-Carpet Moments: A Celebration of Art and Culture
2024 has been a remarkable year for African celebrities pushing the boundaries of red-carpet fashion. Each ensemble spoke volumes about its wearer’s personality, artistry, and cultural heritage, proving that the red carpet is more than just a place for beautiful clothes—it’s a platform for storytelling and self-expression. From Tyla’s exploration of time to Toke Makinwa’s structural brilliance, these moments reflect a continent rich with innovation and creativity.
As we look forward to another year of iconic red-carpet fashion, one thing is clear: African stars are not just participating in the global fashion conversation—they are leading it.