In Fireboy DML’s ‘Back N Forth’ music video, featuring the legendary Lagbaja, Afrocentric fashion is not just a backdrop but an essential part of the storytelling. The video beautifully intertwines traditional African aesthetics with contemporary styles, creating a rich visual narrative that complements the song’s exploration of love and communication.
Afrocentric Fashion Influence:
The choice of wardrobe in the video celebrates African roots, with Fireboy and other characters dressed in bold, traditional, and modern African attire. These outfits, inspired by rich fabrics like Ankara and Aso Oke, highlight the beauty of African fashion in a contemporary context. Fireboy’s fusion of Western and traditional garments symbolises the merging of global influences with African culture, a hallmark of the Afrobeats movement. This combination of styles also speaks to the dynamic and evolving nature of Afrobeats, which embraces both its African origins and its global reach.
Traditional Meets Modern:
The wardrobe in the video balances modern fashion trends with classic African influences. Fireboy’s looks seamlessly fuse elements of traditional attire, such as Ankara prints and flowing robes, with urban, street-inspired pieces, representing a bridge between African heritage and global culture. His outfits reflect the duality of the Afrobeats genre, which blends local African sounds with international appeal.
Lagbaja’s Iconic Presence:
Lagbaja’s signature masked look takes centre stage, as always, symbolising anonymity and cultural identity. His mask, often crafted from traditional African textiles, highlights his deep connection to African culture and reinforces his long-standing role as a cultural icon. The flowing, vibrant fabrics he wears further elevate the Afrocentric theme, bringing a sense of history and gravitas to the visual.
Cultural Symbolism in Fashion:
Beyond just the clothing, the accessories in the video—beaded necklaces, head wraps, and intricate jewellery—carry cultural significance. These elements reflect the artistry of African fashion, while bold patterns and textures enhance the visual depth. The use of traditional African motifs in both fashion and set design grounds the video in its Afrocentric narrative, celebrating African craftsmanship and style.
A Visual Celebration of African Identity:
The fashion choices in ‘Back N Forth’ are an intentional celebration of African identity and creativity. The video not only embraces but elevates Afrocentric fashion, positioning it as a key part of the story, just as important as the music itself. By merging contemporary and traditional styles, the video pays homage to the past while looking confidently toward the future—much like the Afrobeats genre itself.
‘Back N Forth’ is more than a musical collaboration; it’s a visual celebration of African heritage. The Afrocentric fashion on display reflects the pride, richness, and diversity of African culture, solidifying Fireboy DML and Lagbaja’s standing as artistic pioneers who continue to blend music, fashion, and culture effortlessly.
MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW: Fireboy DML unveils mesmerising video for Lagbaja-featured track, ‘Back N Forth’
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