What the Closure of Tiwani Contemporary Reveals About the African Art Market

Evening view of the Tiwani Contemporary gallery storefront in London, visitors gathered inside among paintings during an exhibition opening

Tiwani Contemporary has closed after fifteen years operating between London and Lagos, marking the loss of one of the most influential mid-sized galleries working between Africa and the global art market. Founded in 2011 by Maria Varnava under the mentorship of the late Nigerian curator Bisi Silva, who proposed the name — loosely translating to […]

All Roads Lead To Dakar Fashion Week

The Guzangs Experience launch event at Keur Mamie Charlotte in Dakar, marking the start of the Road to Dakar Fashion Week 2026 — photographed by Alexander Gandaho

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the road to Dakar Fashion Week officially began with the launch of the Guzangs Expérience in Dakar, the first event of the Road to Dakar Fashion Week and Guzangs’ first on-the-ground activation on the African continent. Conceived in celebration of Dakar Fashion Week’s 25-year legacy, the Guzangs Expérience set the […]

The Scaling Gap, in Beauty

Mimi Koné, founder of MORÉ beauty brand, photographed for Guzangs

In Accra, Victorine Sarr is managing customer orders while navigating shipping delays, rising supplier costs, and limited local manufacturing capacity. In London, Mimi Koné is building her beauty brand with closer proximity to retailers, investors, and international distribution networks. Both founders operate within the same global beauty industry, but not within the same systems of […]

The Hotels That Actually Know Where They Are

Open-air bamboo restaurant with handwoven pendant lights at Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island Meta description: Sundy Praia restaurant at dusk. Bamboo structure, handwoven lights, forest canopy.

The Hotels That Actually Know Where They Are Cultural programming has become one of hospitality’s most overused promises. Here’s how to tell the difference between a hotel that has genuinely embedded itself in a place — and one that has simply dressed the lobby. Credit: HBD Principe – Oca Sundy Restaurant, Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island […]

Cotonou Knows Exactly What It’s Doing

Bronze Amazone statue seen from behind overlooking construction and city infrastructure in Cotonou, Benin.

Cotonou Knows Exactly What It’s Doing Amazone Statue, Cotonou, Benin. Photo: Présidence du Bénin. Every West African knows Cotonou, whether or not they have ever stopped to think about why. The auntie who goes for fabric knows it. The trader who crosses the border from Nigeria knows it. The goods that show up in Lagos […]

Market Entry Is Not a Mood Board

Two models in hand-painted garments laughing as cream fabric billows between them, photographed outdoors against a wall covered in newspaper clippings and vintage car photographs.

Market Entry Is Not a Mood Board Why Brands Mistake Aesthetics for Infrastructure and What Credibility Actually Requires Photo: Carlos Idun In recent years, several major fashion houses have staged shows and campaigns across the African continent. Runway presentations in Dakar and Marrakech. Campaign shoots in Lagos and along the Kenyan coast. Capsule collections developed […]

The Scaling Gap

Editorial collage featuring Hanifa, Ami Colé, and runway imagery

Hanifa, Ami Colé, and what the industry’s love can’t build.