Adichie, Burna Boy, and Other Stars Showcase African Excellence at the 2025 Met Gala

Nigerian stars made a powerful impression at the 2025 Met Gala, infusing the iconic New York event with rich African flair and creativity. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year’s celebration spotlighted global talent interpreting fashion through the lens of identity and heritage.

Among the Nigerian representatives who stood out on the red carpet were music heavyweights Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr, alongside acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry.

The Met Gala, an annual high-fashion gathering, welcomed industry elites on Monday night, all channeling the theme of the year through custom, head-turning ensembles.

For 2025, the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” encouraged attendees to blend personal and cultural stories with refined design. Nigerian attendees answered the call with ease and elegance.

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, captivated onlookers with a contemporary twist on traditional fashion. Her outfit incorporated Aso-Ebi fabric, paying tribute to her heritage while aligning with the gala’s couture expectations.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, chose a bespoke outfit crafted by Ozwald Boateng, a Ghanaian-British fashion icon.
Describing the look as “specially made,” Burna’s appearance quickly became a standout moment of the night. Later, he was spotted celebrating with UK rapper Central Cee, a scene that soon went viral.

Ayra Starr embodied her vibrant persona in a floor-length dress that balanced minimalism with edge, offering a bold but refined statement on the red carpet.

Chimamanda Adichie commanded attention in a vivid red dress that radiated confidence and sophistication. Though widely known for her literary influence, Adichie’s presence at the event demonstrated her growing footprint in fashion.

She was also reportedly part of the 2025 host committee for the Costume Institute Benefit, joining notable names like Usher, Tyla, Ayo Edebiri, Dapper Dan, and Doechii.

Celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, widely recognized as Swanky Jerry, made his entrance in a daring creation by Deji and Kola.
Posting a photo from the evening, he wrote, “On duty for Met Gala 2025, superfine. Tailoring black style. When the theme calls for legacy, I deliver. Heritage in every stitch. Legacy in every look. Style crafted. Culture honoured.”

Another standout was Ayo Edebiri, the American-Nigerian actress, whose look celebrated African heritage by blending Western aesthetics with details drawn from Benin traditions.

Known as fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala is held every first Monday in May to raise funds for the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The iconic event has been directed by Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, since 1995.