PAUSE x DAVIDO
For almost a decade, Lagos Fashion Week has been a pillar of African fashion, reshaping narratives on the local and global stage. As summer fades, it stands as the essential event for fashion aficionados. This year, global icon Davido took us through the vibrant pulse of Nigeria’s foremost fashion showcase, capturing every unforgettable moment. From hitting the runway, to wearing some of most sought-after, traditional designs on offer, check out PAUSE’s exclusive interview with Davido during the Spring/Summer 2025 showcase of Lagos Fashion Week.
Congratulations on your runway moment for Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week! That must have been surreal, especially stepping out in such bold, traditional attire. How did it feel to express yourself within that very moment?
Thank you, Thank you! Stepping onto the runway for Ugo was pure energy. You know, as an artist, I’m used to being on stage and connecting with my fans, but this was different – I was representing culture, history, and style, all in one look – It was like carrying my heritage on my shoulders and showing the world just how vibrant and rich Nigerian culture is – it felt powerful.
You also debuted your latest single “Awuke” featuring YG Marley to close the show – How did the crowd respond to your new music—and the surprise of seeing you on the runway?
I think everyone was surprised to see me because I haven’t really done too much in the fashion space. Nigeria is home so being able to close the show with ‘Awuke’ [the first single from my next album] felt like playing to a room of friends and family – they loved it.
When it comes to Nigerian designers, who’s catching your eye this year? Who would you say is truly pushing the envelope in the industry?
I’m inspired by so many incredible designers, like Juliet Olanipekun with LFJ and the amazing Ugo Monye, who crafted my traditional wedding attire. I’ve always loved a fire fit and mixing it up—blending new African designers with the elegance of traditional French houses and the edginess of cool street style. It’s all about creating a vibe.
This is your second big appearance in fashion, after your debut with PUMA at New York Fashion Week in 2022. What do you enjoy most about stepping into the fashion world?
As an artist, I’m always looking for new ways to express myself, and fashion is another way to do that. I’m doing more in fashion now – I just launched my second PUMA collection, the first was a collab – this one is an entire capsule collection where I was able to work with PUMA and my creative director Tycoon to really be creative and build a world for myself and my fans through design. What I love most about it is that, just like music, style is universal; it’s about identity, culture, and storytelling – it’s an overall extension of my creativity. I’m excited to do more.
With African creativity in the spotlight more than ever, do you think we’ll see even more emerging from Africa at fashion weeks globally?
100%. Africa is a hub of emerging creatives who have so much to give the world – It’s happening now!
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Lagos Fashion Week
