Ace Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, was in Ghana for the just ended Ghana Tech Summit 2019. She gave a remarkable speech on her outlook on Ghana’s tech, entertainment and the year of return initiative at the 2nd annual Ghana Tech Summit VIP Gala.
According to the Nigerian screen goddess, she advised that Ghanaians should take advantage of the year of return, and don’t just party but engage and put away intimidation.
She emphasized “You guys are very intelligent, they are all travelling here because you have something they want. You have the power, use it.”
Convoke of the Ghana Tech Summit, Einstein Ntim, has planned to transform Ghana into a technology hub that will help solve unemployment problems in the country within a decade. He hosted Omotola and other important personalities at the Gala, and exhibited the Ghanaian culture through a fashion show powered by IKE Online.
His Excellency the President Nana Akufo Addo personally honoured the iconic venue, Osu Castle as the ideal place for the VIP Gala. As part of the year of the return the Ghana Tech Summit VIP Gala was the first of its kind to be conducted on the historic soil.
UK born Ghanaian Kami Arkorful, founder of fashion agency IKE Online, partnered with Ghana Tech Summit to showcase some of Ghana’s intelligent and up-and-coming designers on the runway. These designers projected the best of Ghana, giving a chance for the guests to immerse themselves in the culture and experience the beautiful land of Ghana.
She created IKE Online to promote and showcase African Contemporary Fashion and is currently working on a number of projects to bring fashion designers to customers more accessibly using technology.
Today, technology is available throughout Africa, even in the most isolated regions in the form of relatively inexpensive mobile phones. West Africa especially, is becoming a centre for big tech investments and tech start-ups; and Ghana has been branded as one of the leading hubs for innovation.
Tech innovation is starting to influence multiple sectors such as banking, agriculture and now more recently, Fashion. IKE Online wants to ensure that the people of Africa can benefit and take advantage of the continents growing and improving technology ecosystem, for the creation of more opportunities and jobs.
Personalities like Omotola – Nollywood star, Tom Davis – Chief growth officer at Forbes, Kwena Mabotja – African director at SAP Next-Generation, Kwame Anku – CEO of Black Star Fund and Shaka Senghor – New York Times bestselling Author and friend od Oprah, graced the gala. The fashion show celebrated some of the Ghanaian fashion designers doing incredible things in the African continent.
David Effah – The theme for his collection called “the cotton field” was inspired by the women working the cotton plantation fields and the garments they wore in the farms during the slave trade. David is an African contemporary designer based in Accra and specialises in both female and male garments. He has previously designed for Dentaa Amoateng MBE, actress Joselyn Dumas and Iain Walker the UK High Commissioner
Haus of YBA – the futuristic art-based fashion brand is headed by New Yorker/Ghanaian designer and FIT University Alumna, Nana Yaa Serwaah. She has a passion for exploring concepts in culture and science and applies technology and unconventional design to fashion. Her famous “Rapunzal” gown was worn by musician Ezinma at the Wearable Art Gala, founded by Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles Lawson.
Sincerely Nude – Founded by UK born Ghanaian designer Michelle Asare, her brand wants to envision womanhood and owning your femininity with diversity. She has worked with US Artist Amara le Negra, UK Influencer Patricia Bright and has also had her clothing featured in Wande Coal’s “so mi so” music video
Otteng – designer Samual Antwi is an eclectic fashion creative with an aesthetic fuelled by history culture and lifestyle but with a streetwear core. He has worked with brands like Studio 189, Dabira and Atto Tetteh. Sammy also made it as a finalist at the 2019 Gucci Design Fellowship Program. He has featured in British Vogue and was personally congratulated by iconic super model Naomi Campbell during her recent trip to Ghana back in November.
BlCKATTITUDE – Visionary artist Edinam Azumah’s collection titled “heritage Africa 111” is an experimental up-cycle project using existing denim pieces upcycled with African prints into new garments. Edinam is passionate about sustainable fashion and has a collection of fabric bags which is her stamp on reducing Africa’s plastic usage.
Ekua Addo – The theme for her collection titled “cohoba – the celebration of connection” was inspired by the ancient tribe connecting with their Gods with their spiritual acts of inhaling plants and herbs. Ekua Addo was born in Colombia to a half Ghanaian half Jamaican father and a Ghanaian mother. She uses her mixed cultural background to inspire her designs and create empowering garments for women all around the world. Her collection has featured in Vogue Italia and Afropunk
