NIGERIAN celebrities brought African elegance and cultural pride to the global stage at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Among the standout attendees were Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a literary icon, and Swanky Jerry, a celebrity stylist. Each showcased a unique interpretation of the theme, blending heritage and high fashion.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” called for precision tailoring infused with cultural identity, a vision Nigerian icons embodied remarkably.
Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as ‘Tems’, captivated onlookers with a modern take on traditional African wear. Her ensemble, designed with a Western silhouette and adorned in vibrant Aso-Ebi print, was a tribute to her Nigerian roots, easily bridging tradition and trend.
Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) stood out in a custom piece by Ghanaian-British designer Ozwald Boateng. Describing his outfit as “specially made,” Burna’s appearance was widely praised and went viral after he was seen enjoying the night with UK rapper Central Cee.
Ayra Starr embraced her “sabi girl” persona in a sleek, unconventional floor-length gown. The look, both minimalist and striking, embodied her signature bold style.
Chimamanda Adichie, a renowned literary voice, turned heads in a dramatic red gown.
As a member of the 2025 Met Gala host committee, Adichie joined fellow luminaries including Usher, Tyla, Dapper Dan, and Ayo Edebiri, affirming her influence beyond literature.
Celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry (Jeremiah Ogbodo) lived up to his reputation for fearless fashion.
Dressed in a vivid creation by Deji and Kola, he shared a photo from the night on his Instagram page, which he captioned, “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.”
Also representing Nigerian heritage was Ayo Edebiri, the American-Nigerian actress whose outfit and hairstyle paid homage to her African ancestry, blending Western couture with Benin-inspired influences.
As always, the Met Gala — known as fashion’s biggest night — delivered unforgettable moments. This year, Nigerian stars didn’t just participate; they set the standard for cultural elegance and creative storytelling through style.