Manchester Ekiti Fest was more than just a musical celebration—it was a vibrant showcase of African fashion and pride. Guests fully embraced the theme, ‘Unapologetically African,’ arriving in stunning ensembles that highlighted the richness and uniqueness of their culture and diverse styles.
The recently held Ekiti Manchester Fest was far more than a conventional gathering of speeches and performances—it evolved into a stunning celebration of African identity, culture, and fashion. With the empowering theme “Unapologetically African”, the atmosphere was set from the very first step onto the red carpet. The event was held at Jubilee Hall in Dukinfield, Manchester.
Scroll down to see the standout fashion moments that turned heads and warmed hearts.
Attendees did not disappoint. From intricately woven Aso-Oke and ornate beadwork to sculptural mini dresses, sweeping gowns, and bold Ankara prints, the fashion on display was nothing short of spectacular. Every ensemble told a story—each one a heartfelt tribute to African artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity.
The evening blurred the lines between tradition and modern elegance. Guests proudly wore their cultural roots, proving once again that African fashion is not just a style, but a statement—bold, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.
From the sheer glamour to the community spirit, Ekiti Manchester Fest reinforced an undeniable truth: when Africa celebrates, it does so with unmistakable flair. This year’s edition didn’t just highlight the richness of Ekiti heritage—it affirmed that in every corner of the diaspora, African culture continues to thrive, inspire, and captivate.
In a vibrant expression of heritage and pride, Oluwatosin’s portrait captures the essence of Ekiti cultural identity through traditional attire. Dressed in rich, handwoven Aso-Òkè fabric, she radiates elegance, resilience, and timeless beauty.
Funto’s dress features a sleek gown made from Aso-Òkè, embellished with lace embroidery—a stunning fusion of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Her outfit is a unique interpretation of classic Ekiti dressing, combining bold royal blue hues with silver and white stripes, a colour palette traditionally associated with prestige, harmony, and grace.
Yetunde’s ensemble combines a classic white blouse with a boldly wrapped wrapper and shawl, reaffirming enduring pride in indigenous tailoring and textile artistry. Adorned with coral beads—symbols of royalty and status—and holding a horsetail whisk (irukere), a revered accessory among Yoruba nobility, she embodies cultural grace and tradition.
Above is Dr. Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi, a proud son of Ekiti who embodies tradition, confidence, and cultural pride. From his finely woven outfit to the bold blue stripes symbolic of nobility and heritage, every element of his attire speaks to the elegance of Yoruba identity.
Seated with quiet authority, his coral beads—a mark of status and ancestral reverence—complement the intricately tailored ensemble, while his cap (fila) completes the dignified look. This portrait is more than fashion; it is a celebration of roots, a tribute to generations past, and a powerful reminder that modern identity can flourish alongside timeless tradition.
Above is our lovely mother, she dressed in a dazzling combination of white lace and blue Aso-Oke, she strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modern glamour. Her ensemble is completed with a perfectly tied gele (headwrap), richly layered coral beads signifying royalty and respect, and a sparkling handbag that reflects both taste and refinement. The lace adds a delicate texture, blending seamlessly with the boldness of the striped Aso-Oke draped across her shoulder—a signature look among distinguished Yoruba women.
Her outfit—a harmonious blend of intricately patterned white lace and royal blue Aso-Oke, complemented by a matching bag—is a stunning representation of Yoruba cultural elegance.
Her gele, tied with regal precision, frames her smile with grace, while the coral beads around her neck and wrists symbolize tradition, status, and ancestral pride. Clutching a beautifully coordinated Aso-Oke purse, she carries not just style, but history—woven into every thread of her attire.
With every element—from her posture to her accessories—she communicates strength, dignity, and an unapologetic embrace of her Yoruba and Ekiti roots. This image beautifully reflects the spirit of the Manchester Ekiti Fest, where fashion becomes a living expression of identity and celebration. Dressed in resplendent, matching Aso-Oke ensembles.
The two women are radiant embodiments of Ekiti elegance, unity, and cultural pride. Their intricately tied geles crown them with regal poise, while the coral beads around their necks speak volumes of ancestral honour and feminine strength. With confident posture and luminous smiles, they don’t just wear tradition—they celebrate it, carry it, and pass it forward. Together, they reflect the enduring beauty of sisterhood and the timeless richness of Yoruba heritage, captured in one powerful moment of cultural grace.
This beautifully adorned couple captures the spirit of Ekiti heritage, not only through their richly woven Aso-Oke outfits but through their visible bond—rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and enduring pride unity and love.
Babatope is a distinguished gentleman who exemplifies the depth and dignity of Ekiti royalty. Wearing a regal Aso-Oke agbada patterned with bold chevrons in deep indigo and sky blue, he carries himself with the confidence of a man deeply rooted in his heritage. The traditional fila atop his head, paired with coral beads and finely embroidered inner attire, speaks not only to fashion—but to identity, history, and honour. Every detail is intentional; each thread is a symbol of resilience passed down through generations.
Ope Omotayo is a vibrant Ekiti woman wearing a beautifully wrapped Aso-Oke iro and buba ensemble. Her white blouse adds a soft contrast to the bold blue stripes of her wrapper and shawl, while the intricately tied gele and coral beads crown her look with traditional finesse.
These young beauties steal the spotlight in their coordinated blue Aso-Oke outfits—each look tailored with care, creativity, and cultural pride. From their neatly styled gele to their radiant smiles, they embody the next generation of Yoruba elegance. The rich patterns of their attire reflect not only family unity but also the enduring legacy of tradition passed joyfully to children
Prince Admola & Mr owoyemi family attire speaks not just of fashion, but of a shared heritage and partnership rooted in dignity and cultural pride. Captured at the Manchester Ekiti Fest, this portrait is a celebration of love, legacy, and identity—reminding us that true elegance is born from tradition, and strengthened through unity.
This joyful family portrait beautifully captures the spirit of love, tradition, and generational pride. The mother and her two children showcase the richness of Yoruba heritage through perfectly coordinated outfits—complete with coral beads, crisp white blouses, and elegantly wrapped wrappers that speak volumes of cultural pride.
The father complements the scene in a simple yet stylish dark-blue agbada, his presence grounding the photo with quiet strength and warmth. Each detail in this image—from the children’s miniature geles to the radiant smiles—tells a story of unity, identity, and belonging.
Mrs. Ademola sits gracefully, her coral beads and bold red handbag adding classic touches to her refined look. Standing beside her, her daughter mirrors that elegance with modern confidence—showing how tradition remains relevant, vibrant, and evolving with each new generation
Prince Ademola radiates dignity, wisdom, cultural pride and leadership—flanked by his graceful family, each member adorned in coordinated Aso-Oke. This powerful image reflects not only tradition but also the enduring bond of kinship and shared heritage.
From the richly patterned garments and vibrant coral beads to the confident postures and warm smiles, the family embodies Yoruba nobility and elegance across generations. The prince’s symbolic horsetail whisk (irukere) speaks of leadership and legacy, while the ensemble’s deep blue hues evoke royalty, unity, and ancestral honour.
This heartwarming image of Ope and her daughter, dressed in matching Aso-Oke, is a celebration of culture, love, and legacy. With radiant smiles and regal poise, they reflect the strength and beauty of Yoruba womanhood—across generations. Ope’s attire, complete with an intricately wrapped iro, gele, and coral beads, speaks to her cultural pride and grace. Her daughter, joyfully mirroring her look in a miniature version, embodies the innocence of childhood wrapped in heritage.
In this vibrant portrait, the children of Prince Ademola radiate youthful pride, elegance, and cultural confidence. Dressed in coordinated traditional attire, the two princes wear crisp blue outfits and caps, embodying dignity and modern poise. At the center, the princess shines in a beautifully wrapped Aso-Oke ensemble, her coral beads and regal gele symbolizing grace and heritage. Together, they represent the future of a proud lineage—where tradition lives on through style, unity, and unwavering identity.
Mrs. Funmi Ajayi stuns in a beautifully wrapped Aso-Oke ensemble. Her crisp white lace blouse pairs harmoniously with deep blue stripes, symbolizing tradition and dignity. Holding a horsetail whisk (irukere)—a mark of honor—she embodies the regal essence of Ekiti womanhood. This portrait is a tribute to heritage, strength, and timeless sophistication.
Mrs. Funmi Ajayi stands proudly with her two daughters—a perfect blend of tradition and modern flair. Draped in classic Aso-Oke and adorned with coral beads, Mrs. Ajayi embodies timeless Ekiti elegance and maternal grace. Her daughters, dressed in sleek, modern attire, bring a fresh, youthful energy to the scene, representing the evolving expression of identity across generations.
This striking family portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Owoyemi with their children is a graceful tribute to cultural pride and unity. Clad in vibrant Aso-Oke, the family radiates warmth and elegance. The parents lead with dignified presence, while their daughters mirror the beauty of tradition with youthful charm. From the finely woven patterns to the coordinated styling, this image is a celebration of family bonds and Yoruba heritage—timeless, proud, and full of joy.
