Like everyone else who matters, GQ has done an exposé on the man behind the music, his legacy and the New Afrika shrine. What makes this feature by GQ interesting is the ability to transform ordinary people who happened to be dressed in African print fabrics, to sophisticated Vogue standard models, by having them throw on expensive designer coats.
“The Shrine is a refuge for the youth in Lagos—it’s a place where you can come and be free, maybe get a job, have a community—and these are some of the young cats we met there. We cast and dressed everybody on the spot with traditional Nigerian clothes and then these designer coats. I just looked for interesting characters. There was something about each of them that struck me; I think it comes across in the photos. It’s a vibe. You feel it. If someone has style, you don’t have to do too much. You put a tailored garment on them and they just own it.”—Mobolaji Dawodu, GQ Style fashion director.
The new Afrika shrine used to be a place for Fela’s revolutionary movement, and use music to “honor his ancestors” pay homage to every African who stood up and fought the good fight., but in recent times, it has transformed to much more than that, we like to describe it as a refuge for everyone who wants to let go, experience good music and pay homage to bravery and talent.
What makes this feature by GQ interesting is the ability to transform ordinary people who happened to be dressed in African print fabrics, to sophisticated Vogue standard models, by having them throw on expensive designer coats.
The instant models were dressed in African prints, $2,500, coat by Issey Miyake Men, $3,700, Jacket by Berluti, $1,720, Jacket by Caruso, $5,900, fur coat by Dior Homme, $3,995, Coat by Dolce & Gabbana.
