Monday night shone as a pinnacle of global fashion, with stars delivering unforgettable looks at the annual Met Gala in New York City.
The 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked the first menswear-focused Gala since 2003.
Years Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibit on the “Black dandy,” it explored, per Vogue, “the role of clothing and style in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora.”
African A-list stars, including Burna Boy, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Tems, Ghana’s Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Lupita Nyong’o, Tribe of God co-founder Jude Dontoh (escorting Ms. Lauryn Hill), and Khaby Lame, reimagined the theme with tailored suits and striking gowns.
Here are the highlights:
Burna Boy: Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, made a striking appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, marking his second time attending the prestigious event, having previously debuted in 2023. The Grammy-winning Afrobeat artist, known for hits like Ye and Last Last, hails from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. For this year’s gala, he shut down the red carpet in a custom suit by British Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, embodying African excellence with his bold, tailored look.
Tyla: South African singer Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, returned to the Met Gala in 2025 for her second appearance, following her unforgettable debut in 2024. The 23-year-old Grammy winner, celebrated for her global hit Water, is from Johannesburg, South Africa. She stunned in a tailored ensemble that paid homage to the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, cementing her status as a fashion and music icon. Tyla also served as a member of the gala’s host committee, showcasing her growing influence.
Ayra Starr: Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, made her Met Gala debut ,a milestone for the 22-year-old Mavin Records star. Hailing from Cotonou, Benin, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, she’s known for her soulful Afrobeats hits like Rush and Bloody Samaritan. Her red carpet look, a dazzling interpretation of the theme, showcased her vibrant energy and rising global presence, earning praise for representing Nigeria with flair.
Tems: Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, graced the Met Gala for the second time in 2025, having first attended in 2023. The Lagos, Nigeria-born artist, a Grammy winner for her contribution to Wait for U with Future and Drake, is celebrated for her soulful voice and genre-blending sound. Her elegant, tailored gown reflected the theme’s focus on Black dandyism, highlighting her ability to merge sophistication with cultural pride on the global stage.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi: Ghanaian-American chef Kwame Onwuachi, born in The Bronx, New York, and raised partly in Nigeria, attended the Met Gala in 2025 for the first time. The 35-year-old culinary star, known for his restaurants Tatiana in New York City and Dōgon in Washington, D.C., also oversaw the gala’s dinner, infusing African flavors into the menu. His presence on the red carpet, in a sharply tailored suit, marked a proud moment for Ghanaian heritage.
Lupita Nyong’o: Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, a Met Gala veteran, attended the event for the seventh time in 2025. Born in Mexico City and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, the Oscar-winning star of 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther is a fashion icon known for her daring red carpet choices. Her powder-blue tailored ensemble with a sweeping cape was a standout, perfectly aligning with the theme while showcasing her regal presence.
Jude Dontoh: Ghanaian designer and Tribe of God co-founder Jude Dontoh made his Met Gala debut in 2025, escorting music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill. Based in Accra, Ghana, Dontoh is celebrated for his streetwear brand, which blends African aesthetics with global appeal. His tailored look, complementing Hill’s iconic style, highlighted Ghana’s growing influence in global fashion and marked a significant moment for the designer.
Khaby Lame: Senegalese TikTok sensation Khaby Lame, born Khabane Lame, attended the Met Gala for the first time in 2025. The 25-year-old, originally from Dakar, Senegal, and raised in Italy, is the platform’s most-followed personality, with over 160 million followers. His suit, adorned with dozens of pocket watches, was a playful yet sharp nod to the theme, reflecting his unique blend of humor and style.
The 2025 Met Gala was a triumphant celebration of African artistry, with stars like Burna Boy, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Tems, Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Lupita Nyong’o, Jude Dontoh, and Khaby Lame illuminating the red carpet. From Nigeria to South Africa, Ghana to Senegal, these icons brought their cultural heritage and creative brilliance to the forefront, redefining Black dandyism with tailored elegance and bold individuality. Their presence not only honored the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme but also underscored the global impact of African talent, leaving an indelible mark on fashion’s biggest night.
PHOTO CREDIT : Getty Images
