Music Fashion Runway Toasts to 10 Years of Showcasing African Talent, Innovation, and Style

Mary Nnah

December 7th, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the African creative industry, as Music Fashion Runway (MFR) celebrates its 10th anniversary.
For a decade, MFR has been at the forefront of promoting African creativity, innovation, and resilience, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience. Behind this monumental Pan-African cultural phenomenon is Dr. Ngozi Omambala, a trailblazing entrepreneur, and visionary leader.

Dr. Omambala, Group Managing Director/CEO of NMO Management Limited, has been instrumental in shaping the creative industry’s landscape and promoting its vast potential for economic growth and cultural exchange. As the Chairperson of the Creative and Entertainment Group at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Omambala has been a driving force in championing African creativity and empowering the next generation of creatives.

The 2024 hybrid edition of MFR promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring live music performances by renowned African artists, showcases of cutting-edge Pan-African fashion designs, and appearances by international runway models. MFR 2024 model ambassador, Victoria Eze, will take the runway alongside other established designers and models. The event will be streamed live on social media platforms, embracing both physical and online audiences.

Dr. Omambala’s journey with MFR began with a vision to merge music and fashion, creating a unique platform that celebrates African creativity. “When we did Music Fashion Runway (MFR) in 2015, we already had an established music platform called Loud and Proud Live, which was doing very well,” she recalls. “For us, we see ourselves as a youth-empowering platform. So, for us, we just knew that fashion was intrinsic to music; fashion and music go hand in hand.”

Through initiatives like the Golden Break Through (GBT) Auditions and Model Search, Dr. Omambala has provided a platform for upcoming creative talent to shine. The GBT platform has been instrumental in discovering new talent, providing a springboard for young creatives to launch their careers.

The Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Award (GCAA), established by Dr. Omambala, recognizes and honors pioneers and legends in the African creative industry. Past recipients of the award include notable figures such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, and Lanre Da Silva. “We want to honour them because of their contributions to creating this multi-billion-dollar industry,” Dr. Omambala explains.

As MFR celebrates its 10th anniversary, Dr. Omambala reflects on the journey, saying, “Experience is everything. We’ve been building on our previous experiences since our inception. Every year, you learn something new.” She attributes the success of MFR to perseverance, passion, and a commitment to empowering African creatives.

Dr. Omambala’s word of encouragement to Nigerians is to never give up on their passions. “Keep doing what you are doing. Never give up. If you have a passion, keep working hard. Give it your all – 110% – and never give up.” She believes that success lies in perseverance, character, and passion. “It is those who never give up who actually triumph,” she asserts.

As the curtains draw open on the 10th edition of Music Fashion Runway, Dr. Ngozi Omambala’s legacy as a champion of African creativity continues to inspire and empower a new generation of creatives. Her tireless efforts to promote African excellence have left an indelible mark on the continent’s cultural landscape, cementing her position as a true pioneer and leader in the African creative industry.

The impact of Dr. Omambala’s work extends beyond the creative industry, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and cultural exchange. As a respected entrepreneur and thought leader, Dr. Omambala continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

As Music Fashion Runway celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is clear that Dr. Ngozi Omambala’s vision for a platform that showcases African creativity and empowers the next generation of creatives has become a reality. The future of African creativity looks bright, and Dr. Omambala remains at the forefront, leading the charge and inspiring others to join her on this incredible journey.

The 2024 hybrid edition will feature live music performances by renowned African artists, showcases of cutting-edge Pan- African fashion designs, and appearances by international runway models. MFR 2024 model ambassador, Victoria Eze, will take the runway alongside other established designers and models. The event will be streamed live on social media platforms, embracing both physical and online audiences.