This Thursday, on 18th December 2014, Lagos city, Nigeria will experience the biggest live concert of the year – the Soundcity Urban Blast festival, featuring some of Africa’s biggest acts on stage at the new landmark venue in Oniru.
The festival, which will be aired live on Soundcity TV on DSTV channel 327, is a total must-attend, and with SPICE’s own Elma Godwin hosting the red carpet (catch her live on Spice TV channel 192), the night promises to be a memorable one in terms of music and style.
Hence, for this week’s Tuesday 10, we ‘re helping you out with your wardrobe for the night, bringing you 10 looks to channel for Soundcity’s Urban Blast party – ensembles inspired fittingly by some of music’s best stars, which might have you ending up on our Red Carpet Show live this Thursday…
1. Aaliyah’s ’90s Tomboy Style
Taking it way back, we’re looking to beautiful R’n’B babe, Aaliyah who – infamously known for her urban, tomboy look – paved the way for any girl who loves sensual styling yet loathes skirts and heels.
Signature to the star’s look were low-slung pants, midriff-baring tops and black, hightop boots, which is super news to those hoping to let loose at Soundcity’s festival this week, with a similar ensemble promising you both lots of attention and comfort on the night.
…The look’s totally achievable too. In fact, this could actually be you;
Get the look via any of these on-trend items – from River Island’s boot-like, platform trainers, to Asos’ ribbed, black crop top. Just be sure to pair with that laid back attitude a big, side-swept fringe and shades if you’re feeling especially celeb-like.
2. Rihanna’s Thirst for Flaunting It
Always nailing it in racy outfits on red carpets, the streets and when on stage, Rihanna gets dressed like nobody else.
From her crystal-covered CFDA Adam Selman dress to her recent Paris Fashion Week, boobs-out netted ensemble, (lest we forget that video for “Pour It Up”), Rih has made showing off her body her things. And, should you feel you can pull it off too, going for her brave, barely-there outfit ail have you looking edgy and uber confident.
To take on the star’s look, we suggest you tame it down a little, opting to show either your legs or your décolletage (baby steps, yeh?) with this black, netted halter top from Forever 21 and this lacey pencil skirt from River Island, just perfect.
3. Temi Dollface’s Fun, Vintage Look
Bringing it home to Nigeria, musical doll, Temi Dollface is always seen with her striking sense of style, presenting her vintage finds together with a modern twist and infusing her wardrobe with individuality.
To take a little of her je ne sais quois and opt for a retro-inspired look, try rocking some of Ms PataPata’s signatures: a vintage hat, quirky accessories fun, one-off pieces, which you’ll find in our favourite vintage boutique, Retrospective, Nigeria.
Just top everything with a witty attitude and low heels, and you’re good to go to the Urban Blast party or anywhere else you need to be spied looking good.
4. Kanye West’s Slim-Fit, All Black Everything
One for the fellas, here’s music’s most loved-yet-loathed star, Kanye West whose style, like his music, is undeniably hot.
Mr West’s transition towards becoming a recognised name in the hip-hop arena is said to have been difficult as the industry alphas felt he didn’t look ‘the part.’ Yet, continually rocking slim-fits, preppy pieces and all black (even going on to claim he ‘invented’ the leather jogger), Kanye’s fashion-sense has struck a chord and become a bit of a template for modern men around the world.
If you, like Kanye, you love to be the centre of attention, try stealing his style for the Urban Blast party via crisp, urban tees paired with funky, futuristic-looking kicks, like this “Eze” polo t-shirt from Sanusi Lagos, and retro-inspired trainers from Donnay. Keeping to Kanye’s favourite palette – black – you really can’t go wrong!
6. Solange Knowles’ Print-tastic Taste
Ladies, why not take your cue from Bey’s little sis and mistress of print, Solange Knowles, who’s out-of-the-box taste might be heard in her music but is screamed with her impeccable style.
To mimic the star, pile on patterns in all sorts of shades and proportions, paying close attention to silhouette. But, with the look – print on print, punctuated by a uniform colour – there’s rule on who can pull it off, with the style being universally flattering.
Take inspiration from Solange’s own festival look in this printed River Island skirt and a pair of chunky heeled sandals – just add a plain top to break up the bold look and you’ll be ready to impress (or kick someone’s ass) in style.
5. Burna Boy’s Retro Cool Style
Known for his way with making retro goods like ’90s sunglasses and paisley printed shirts cool again, Nigerian star Burna Boy has had us hooked on his look since he debuted in 2012 with his hit song “Like to Party.”
From his unique haircut to his steampunk sunglasses and his gold chain collection, the star’s wardrobe is blessed with a few key pieces you can easily rock to the Soundcity Urban Blast Party and look good in.
Simply go for this pair of Gianni Versace sunglasses in the sale at Nigeria Bulletin and rock them with a tribal printed shirt from Retrospective plus a plain pair of trousers, et voila – like Burna Boy, your look is on fire!
6. Bez Idakula’s Afrocentric Style
With his music being a good blend of superb alternative-soul, Nigerian singer-songwriter, Bez still has one foot firmly planted in his African roots and his suave, laid-back style always matches, no matter the event he’s attending.
Bez’s red carpet and on-stage signatures are his hats and spectacles, and if you’re thinking to steal his style for this week’s Soundcity party, do so via Konga’s optical eyewear and a statement tee that includes prints, like this one by Sanusi Lagos.
Just remember to add a fedora hat to complete the look while keeping things festival-friendly.
7. The Dynamic Style of Dive, Ms Diana Ross
Formulating our love for big hair and sequins, ’70s style icon and singer, Diana Ross who rose to fame back in the ’60s as lead singer for The Supremes, was considered an influential diva of the disco era.
With her bold fashion-sense mounting to an irresistible and sultry vibe, the star was hardly seen without her trademark big curls, big furs and big jewels, and drapings of Halston and Bob Mackie gowns with sequins galore.
To emulate her larger than life style, go glam leith sequins of festival-ready details like fringe. This cool tee-shaped dress by ASOS has both and will have you stand out like Ms Ross, while this cut-out bracelet from ThingsNigeriansLove will finish the look.
8. Michael Jackson’s ‘King of Style’
The legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson earned the title “style icon” the very moment he stole the spotlight as lead singer of the Jackson Five, with his smooth vocals, huge afro and flashy ’60s gear shown off on top of his signature moves.
Wardrobe wonders included floral button-down shirts and bell-bottom jeans, and no one can forget the moment the world first saw him moonwalk, wearing his trademark, thick white socks and penny loafers. Other magical style moments include the time he told us to “Beat It” while wearing a red leather jacket – a look that’s been repeated on stages all around the world, re-invented by designers and recalled by many modern artists.
Why not pay tribute to the man himself at the Soundcity’s Blast festival, in a fedora hat and an embellished stud jackets, like these from ASOS? Paired with jump-up black paints, shiny brogues and white socks, you’ll have MJ’s style nailed. Just keep the look away from costume though and avoid rocking a sequinned glove, please!
10. Bold & Eccentric Styless, Ms Erykah Badu
Known as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul” or the “Queen of Neo-Soul” (despite rejecting the title in 2008) Erykah Badu debuted in 1997 and over her 15-year career in music has become equally known for her sky-high, colourful African head-wraps and Afrocentric style – especially her spaghetti strap dresses of her early years.
Despite ditching her iconic head-wrap and divorcing herself from the neo-soul genre, Badu continues to throw her support behind black culture and even got more creative with her style – even becoming a muse to Givenchy’s head creative, Riccardo Tisci, who put her in the label’s Spring/Summer’14 campaign.
From donning crazy top hats to pairing ’60s-style fit and flare dresses with futuristic bangles, the star’s fearless self-expression continues to capture tour imagination – and if you’re looking to hit the same high notes with your wardrobe this week, we’d suggest a statement piece by Anita Quansahon top of a plain spaghetti-strap dress, or on a simple jumpsuit paired with minimal heels.
So there you have it – 10 looks to channel for the Soundcity Urban Blast festival, straight from the wardrobe of music’s best-dressed stars. Now, go plan your look and show us what you’re wearing on Twitter and Instagram via @SPICETVAFRICA – that’s if we don’t spy you on the red carpet see you live on SPICE TV first!
Image source: Asos.com, Riverisland.com, OnoBello.com, Instagram, WhoWhatWear.com, BellaNaija.com
