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Cannes is the heartbeat of world cinema. For decades, it has been the place where stories are immortalized. Films that cross borders, challenge perceptions, and speak to the core of human experience have walked its red carpet, leaving their mark on global storytelling. This year, a new scene was written in the annals of cinema. My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and produced by Funmbi Ogunbanwo, became the first Nigerian film to be part of the Official Selection at Cannes, screening in the prestigious Un Certain Regard category. It’s not just a milestone, it’s a turning point for African cinema. The Prestige of Cannes The Cannes Film Festival is the world’s most prestigious gathering of filmmakers and dreamers. It’s where legends are born, where films like Pulp Fiction, Blue is the Warmest Color, and Parasite found their way to global recognition. It is about storytelling that matters. For African filmmakers, the road to Cannes has often been distant; glimpses of our stories flickering at the edges but rarely taking center stage. My Father’s Shadow changes the narrative. Funmbi Ogunbanwo: Telling Stories with Intention At the heart of this moment is Funmbi Ogunbanwo, who enjoys the process of something bigger than her. She has always been intentional about people and the stories she tells, choosing narratives that reflect the strength and complexity of Nigerian identity.  In her interview with Afrique Noire Magazine, she spoke passionately about the importance of storytelling from home. “Home is where impact is,” she said, calling on the African diaspora to remember that their voices matter, that their stories belong not just abroad but at home where change is rooted. Ogunbanwo’s vision goes beyond just making films. For too long, African stories have been boxed into tales of struggle and survival. She wants the world to see the richness, the ambition, the memory, and the resilience that define African life. With My Father’s Shadow, she proves that our stories can be global without losing their soul. The Story of My Father’s Shadow My Father’s Shadow is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the longing for connection. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Wale Davies and his brother, who lost their father at a young age, the film dives into the ache of growing up with questions that are never answered. Who was he? What did he believe in? What kind of man was he? These unspoken questions became the soul of the story. Davies imagined what it would be like to spend just one more day with their father, a single moment to bridge the distance that time and loss had created. The film is set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian elections, a time marked by political tension and hope for change. This historical context is woven delicately into the narrative, reflecting how family-saga and political upheaval often walk hand in hand. Lagos, with its chaos and charm, is a living, breathing character that shapes the story. https://youtu.be/WoiVcFxcpak?si=W9g6LzEEcBrrZcOh A Landmark for African Cinema The significance of My Father’s Shadow at Cannes is monumental. It signals to the world that African stories are not only valid but necessary. It is a testament that Nigerian cinema has truly come of age—a sentiment echoed by Prince Baba Agba, cultural advisor to President Tinubu. It is a pivotal moment for African film. It signals to the world that African stories are necessary. For the African film landscape, this is validation. It is a moment that tells filmmakers across the continent that their stories are powerful enough to stand on the world’s most prestigious stage. It breaks barriers and sets a precedent, opening the path for more African voices to be heard. My Father’s Shadow is a beacon of possibility, a whisper to every storyteller on the continent that the world is ready to listen and that our stories are worthy of the brightest lights. Enjoy the full conversation here on YouTube & you can now listen here on Spotify YouTube Link  https://youtu.be/wFqHAZZJKqQ?si=RMJYxTxC40nJVkEh Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MLrtowHEXN9UU2k6ULI5h?si=745Fwd8tR0aBogHbrzBC8g Producer & Directors  https://www.instagram.com/akinoladaviesjr?igsh=azI5bXY4aWo2bzBj Akinola Davies Jr https://www.instagram.com/kingxdavies?igsh=NzRwMmgxMnU0bHBr Wale  Davies  https://www.instagram.com/funmbi_o?igsh=YzBqNDZpOWVmYm1p Funmbi Ogunbanwo For https://www.instagram.com/wearefatherland?igsh=MXZnOTBhaDJwbHB1cQ== Father Land 

What does it mean to wear your history in your hair? For the Himba women of northern Namibia, beauty is a language spoken in red ochre, passed from mother to daughter, and sculpted into every braid. In the dusty, sunburnt lands of northern Namibia, between rocky hills and winding rivers, live the Himba people, a semi-nomadic community known for their resilience, grace, and striking appearance. Among them, the Himba women stand out not just for their beauty, but for their proud display of tradition, carried on their skin, in their dress, and most famously, in their hair. The red-plated hair of the Himba women is a living symbol. A message written in earth, time, and memory. It tells a story of identity, pride, survival, and womanhood passed down from one generation to the next. Who Are the Himba? The Himba are an indigenous people of Namibia, mainly found in the Kunene region, near the Angolan border. They are pastoralists, which means they live closely with their livestock, especially cattle and goats. Their days are shaped by the rhythm of nature. They live in huts made from mud and dung, sleep under wide skies, and follow traditions that have stayed largely untouched for hundreds of years. But beyond geography and history, it is their visual expression, especially their hair that has come to symbolize their enduring strength. A Signature of Himba Womanhood What captures most people’s attention when they see the Himba women for the first time is their hair. Thick, red, sculpted locks that look like they’ve been shaped by fire and earth. These are not wigs or braids from a salon. These are carefully built hairstyles, coated in a rich red paste called otjize—a mixture of butterfat, red ochre (iron-rich stone ground into powder), and sometimes fragrant herbs or tree resins. The women apply otjize every day. It covers their hair and their entire bodies, giving their skin a warm, reddish glow. It protects them from the harsh sun, acts as a moisturizer in the dry desert climate, and keeps insects away. But its meaning goes far beyond physical use. The red color represents the earth, blood, and life itself. It is sacred. It is spiritual. Hair is not just hair to the Himba. It’s a marker of identity and a sign of where a woman is in her life. Himba hairstyles follow clear rules: 1.Young girls wear two plaits hanging forward over their faces, called ozondato. 2.Teenage girls start adding more braids and often begin applying otjize. 3.Married women wear thick, long, red-plated locks that fall over their shoulders, sometimes covering the face slightly. These are called ozondato as well, but in a more elaborate form. 4.Mothers wear a headpiece made of sheepskin called an erembe, which is attached to their braided hair. It’s a symbol of fertility and motherhood. 5.Elder women or widows may cover their heads or leave their hair natural, often signaling a different stage of life. Even the shape and number of braids have meaning. They show your social role, your family’s wealth, your marital status, and more. In Himba society, you can “read” a woman’s life story through her hairstyle. The Art of Maintenance: A Daily Ritual Keeping the hair beautiful and healthy is a daily ritual. Himba women don’t bathe with water in the Western sense, especially because water is scarce in their environment. Instead, they perform a kind of smoke bath. They burn special wood, often from aromatic trees, inside a clay pot, and once it produces enough smoke, they sit over it and let the smoke cleanse their skin and body. This is how they “bathe.” When it comes to their hair, the women take their time. They mix fresh otjize paste and gently coat their braids. Sometimes, other women help. It is an intimate, bonding experience; mother to daughter, sister to sister, elder to younger. It is a shared practice that keeps their traditions alive. Some of the braids are made using hair extensions from other women in the tribe, animal hair, or even woven wool. But the otjize paste always covers it all, binding it into a single, sculpted form. The Meaning Behind the Red To outsiders, the red hair might seem like just a bold fashion choice. But to the Himba, it means much more. The red ochre is tied to the idea of kaoko, a connection to the earth, to ancestors, and to the spirit of the land. The Himba believe in a spiritual life force that flows through everything: the cattle, the trees, the soil, and the human body. Covering themselves in red ochre is a way of aligning with this force. It’s a way of honoring life. Symbols of Cultural Resistance Today, Himba women are seen as symbols of cultural resistance. While much of the world pushes for modernization, assimilation, and change, they hold fast to their roots. They walk through dusty villages and open markets dressed in leather skirts, beaded necklaces, and bare chests unapologetically themselves. As the world rushes forward, the Himba women boldly remind us that our traditions are enough. That our way of being our skin, our hair, our rituals hold deep meaning. They remind us that African beauty is not borrowed, not bought. It is built, strand by strand, from memory, meaning, and the dust of home. This balance between tradition and modern life is difficult. It raises questions about choice, identity, and the future. But one thing remains: the red hair continues to speak.

Written by: Khadijah Yusuf Ali  For centuries, African ancestors have shaped global fashion. From jewelry to hairstyles and textiles, their influence is everywhere—even if the world doesn’t always recognize it.   Today, our ancestors’ styles continue to inspire modern fashion. Their attire, hairstyles, body marks, and jewelry inspire both the old and young across different continents, including Asia and Europe. We see how people try to recreate the way our emperors, elders, and indigenous people dressed. The world has adopted African culture and even turned it into trends. Non-Africans wear cornrows, tie-dye clothes have made their way into high fashion and streetwear, and knitted garments have become a staple among fashion enthusiasts. The stacking of jewelry—whether maximalist or minimalist—is now a global styling technique embraced across various fashion aesthetics, from boho and streetwear to old money and high fashion Celebrities and influencers like Tems, Bonang Matheba, and Aminata Mboup are heavily influenced by their African roots and are recognized for their bold and unique fashion styles. Cleopatra of Egypt Cleopatra, often described as stunning, wore exquisite garments of Egyptian heritage, including the kalasiris—a close-fitting sheath dress made of linen that left the chest bare. She often paired it with a gorgerine, a metal disc worn on the chest, among other embroidered robes. Cleopatra was also known for her elaborate accessorizing. She adorned herself with anklets, massive snake-shaped armbands, and bold bangles. Her beauty regimen included bright green paste under her eyes, blue on her eyelids, and black kohl eyeliner—techniques that continue to influence beauty trends today, with many dressing as Cleopatra for Halloween and other celebrations. The Kingdom of Kush The Kingdom of Kush has also played a significant role in modern fashion. Between 1780-1580 BC, Kushite women adorned themselves with beautiful beaded jewelry and used bronze mirrors. Wearing gold jewelry was a common practice. Princess Armenil Dis, who lived in the 8th century, wore exquisite gold rings, bracelets, and colorful beaded jewelry, some of which were made from ostrich eggshells. Queen Amanishakheto, always covered in gold jewelry, was an inspiration to women in her culture—queens, nobles, and commoners alike—who wore varying degrees of adornment. The contrast of gold against their deep brown skin enhanced its beauty. Kushite kings and men were also fashion-forward, wearing tight-fitting crowns—skullcaps made of leather or metal with the sacred serpent symbol. They accessorized with cord necklaces that draped over their shoulders and backs, while their leather sandals, sometimes dyed in green, red, or yellow, were stamped with snake-like patterns. West Africa’s Gold Adornments In West Africa, Adinkra symbols are used to craft gold jewelry among the Akan people of Ghana. These bold gold pieces take various shapes, like the mudfish, symbolizing nourishment and protection, often crafted into rings or necklaces. These traditional adornments have inspired both local and international fashion brands. Schiaparelli, known for its bold gold accessories, incorporates African influences into its designs, from bags to jewelry and even dresses. African designers, such as Adebisi Adedjouma, founder of ILE-IFE, continue to celebrate African heritage through jewelry. VANLELES-DIAMONDS ethically sources 75% of its precious stones and metals from Africa, further showcasing the continent’s influence in high-end jewelry. As demand for bolder fashion statements grows, Benin bronzed sculptures, historically used in art, have become statement jewelry pieces, with brands like TrufacebyGrace incorporating these influences into their collections. North African Beauty Practices In North Africa, the Berber people of Morocco wear a blue veil called the litham, dyed with the nila plant, which also treats skin conditions. Women rub the fabric on their faces when going out, leaving behind a blue residue that protects the skin from the sun—an early form of sun protection that has evolved into modern sunscreen. The nila plant was not the only one used in beauty. Henna, derived from its tree, was applied to hair and hands, a practice still widely embraced today. Kohl, used as black eyeliner, remains a staple in the beauty industry, influencing the popularity of smokey eyes and bold eye makeup trends. Henna remains integral to African culture, particularly among the Hausa of Northern Nigeria and Kushite women, where intricate designs are applied for celebrations such as Eid. Today, non-Africans have adopted it as temporary tattoos. Textiles and Patterns African textiles continue to influence fashion worldwide. Adire (tie-dye), originating from Ogun State, Nigeria, was first produced in Abeokuta by the Yoruba people in the early 20th century. It is crafted using hot wax to create patterns before being dyed with extracts from the elu plant. This traditional art has inspired designers globally. Nigerian-owned brand Dye Lab creates contemporary clothing and accessories, such as bags, using adire. Ade Bakare Couture in London also incorporates adire into eccentric designs. The widely popular ‘bubu’ outfit, indigenous to West Africa, Sudan, and other African regions, has evolved into the ‘rich auntie gown,’ a modern reinterpretation of a traditional style. Africa has always been a land of color, with its textiles, art, and culture embracing bold hues. While many societies favor muted tones like grey and black, African cultures celebrate vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green, made from natural sources such as henna (orange), mint (green), and saffron (yellow). Africa’s love for bold colors has undeniably influenced global fashion trends. Adinkra symbols are also prominent in textile designs, used to create cultural pieces that are transformed into clothing, bags, and more. Two-Piece Outfits and Skirt Styles The Yoruba women traditionally wore the Iro and Buba—a two-piece outfit consisting of a loose-fitting top and a wrapped skirt. Similarly, ancient Egyptians of the upper class wore the schenti, a knee-length kilt wrapped around the waist. These traditional garments can be seen as inspirations for modern two-piece outfits, including skirts that sit perfectly on the hips, often paired with crop tops. The Power of African Hairstyles Hairstyles in Africa are more than just beauty—they are a form of art, representation, and communication. Different tribes have distinct styles, each carrying deep cultural significance. From intricate braiding techniques to elaborate hair adornments, African hair has