The much-anticipated Rhythms On Da Runway returns this year, with its spotlight firmly set on Ghana’s iconic Kente fabric. At the launch event held at the Silver Star Towers on September 21, the theme “Kente Edition” was unveiled, calling on designers to draw inspiration from the rich history and craftsmanship of this symbolic textile.
Kente, a hand-woven fabric made of silk and cotton, is deeply embedded in Ghanaian heritage. Its vibrant colors and intricate patterns have long symbolized African creativity, tradition, and sustainability. Speaking at the launch, Producer and Creative Director Yvonne Ocloo emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, stating, “For over a decade, Rhythms On Da Runway has been a celebration of the powerful intersection between fashion, culture, and music.”
Ocloo highlighted the evolution of the event, which began modestly but has since grown into Africa’s largest cultural extravaganza, a feat recognized by the BBC. “This platform has amplified the voices of African designers and artists globally,” she remarked. The decision to focus on Kente this year, she explained, is a continuation of their mission to elevate African fashion, with a special emphasis on sustainability.
“We challenge designers to look to the ancient wisdom of our Kente weavers, creating collections that are both innovative and sustainable,” Ocloo noted. She encouraged the fashion community to learn from the Kente cloth’s endurance and unity, urging the country to embrace the symbolism of interconnectedness during this election season.
In the lead-up to the main event, a series of exciting activities have been planned. “On October 5th, we will host our casting call, bringing together the most talented models to grace the runway,” Ocloo announced. Industry Night, scheduled for October 26th, will be an evening of networking and collaboration between professionals in the fashion and music industries. A thought-leadership forum titled THE ORANGE Roundtable is set for November 14th, aimed at fostering discussions on sustainability in the creative sector.
The grand finale will take place on November 30th at the Grand Arena, promising a night of spectacular fashion, music, and cultural celebration.
In a surprising announcement, Ocloo hinted that this year might be the last in-person launch for Rhythms On Da Runway. “As we move toward embracing digital platforms, future events may transition to virtual experiences, allowing us to reach a broader audience,” she said. Financial constraints in sustaining large-scale creative arts projects have driven this shift, but Ocloo remains optimistic.
“While the challenges are significant, we are committed to our vision of elevating African art and culture. This change, however, underlines the pressing need for greater support for the creative arts sector in Africa,” she concluded.
