Reflections on 2025 and What Comes Next
A letter to the Marmalade Community from our Founder's desk ✍️
Bringing Africa's culture and stories to life through content and community
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The Final Spread: A Year Of Culture, Curated Just For You
This is our last newsletter of the year. It’s a thank you for reading, staying, and being a part of Marmalade Collective. Before 2025 closes, here’s one last note from us, honest and unfiltered.
Odeal Goes Global, MaXhosa Rewrites SA Style, Dave Hits The Road
Odeal signs a global deal, Omoyemi Akerele turns Lagos into a runway, and Dave announces a 2026 world tour. Plus, Dakar Fashion Week goes floating, Laduma Ngxokolo reweaves South Africa’s story, Rungano Nyoni scores a Spirit Award nod, and East African creatives redefine culture.
Yagazie Redefines Fine Art, Yinka Ilori Gets a Royal Nod, Pearl Thusi Steps Into Music
Yagazie Emezi follows her Chi into fine art, Yinka Ilori earns a royal design nod, and Ibrahim Mahama tops ArtReview’s Power 100. Plus, Pearl Thusi steps into her music era, Young Jonn takes a star turn, and Emily Chepkor starts a running revolution in Nairobi.
Oyelowo Takes on Othello, Bonang Matheba Redefines Luxury, Tems Drops New EP
David Oyelowo reimagines Othello, Wizkid’s Lagos-to-global story hits HBO, and Ryan Coogler brings Mansa Musa to film. Plus, Tems drops a surprise EP, Bonang Matheba builds African luxury, and Masonwabe Ntloko reshapes the new African cool.
Show Dem Camp Shows Off African Art, Rich Mnisi Turns 10, Tyla Tours Tokyo
Rich Mnisi marks a decade of boundary-pushing fashion, Tia Adeola celebrates Lagos through style, and Show Dem Camp spotlights African art. Plus, Asake plots a debut in South Africa, Tyla kicks off her first-ever tour, and Accra rises as the new conscious fashion capital.
Trevor Noah Lands Grammy Nod, Njerae Reinvents R&B, Champz Makes History
Trevor Noah celebrates a fresh Grammy nod, Njerae reshapes East African R&B, and Soweto Fashion Week returns in full colour. Plus, Champz makes history on the charts, Banke Kuku blends art and fashion, and Africa’s top destinations set the tone for 2026.
Anok Yai Claims Her Crown, Uzo Njoku Reinvents Ankara, Burna Goes Cinematic
Uzo Njoku reinvents Ankara with an Owambe twist, while African designers make Paris their runway. Plus, Burna Boy backs a bold Pan-African thriller, Amoako Boafo builds a tennis court, Amaarae steps into her spotlight, and Anok Yai claims her crown.
Ciara Lights Up Lagos, Aya Nakamura Claims Her Crown, Adidas Champions Creativity
Ciara makes stunning LFW debut, Aya Nakamura reclaims her crown, and Tyla shines in Chanel. Plus, Banke Kuku celebrates Africa’s spirit, Kudi Maradzika reshapes African storytelling, and Adidas Originals spotlights Nigeria’s new wave of creativity.
Black Coffee Ignites Durban, Patoranking Honours His Roots, LFW Goes Global
Black Coffee brings the heat home with two major Durban shows, and Patoranking revives Galala with his latest single. Plus, Lagos Fashion Week earns a global nod for sustainability, “One Woman One Bra” wins big at BFI London, and Gift Lubele makes history with SA’s first AI Amapiano album.
Chimamanda Bags New Award, Nyashinski Enters New Era, Dada Gallery Comes Home
Nyashinski steps into a new era with a brand new album, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie picks up a Mermaid Award. Plus, Anthony Azekwoh builds his own cinematic world, Sungi Mlengeya redefines Black womanhood, and Dada Gallery sets its sights on Lagos.
3 Years of Culture: Celebrating 156 Volumes of The Spread 🍊
From spotlighting the creatives shaping mainstream culture to uncovering the stories you couldn’t scroll past, this issue is a celebration of you, our community, and everything that made our years with you unforgettable.
Dave Teases New Album, LABRUM Shakes Up John Lewis, Shatta Wale Eyes Grammy Glory
Dave teases his third album, LABRUM brings culture to John Lewis, and African series score Emmy nods. Plus, Shattta Wale scores a Grammy green light, Yinka Ilori brings his flair to Wyclef Jean’s latest single, and Rema lands on TIME’s 100 Emerging Leaders list.
Slawn Sparks Dreamers, Ama Qamata Joins L’Oréal, Ugo Mozie Stuns in NYC
Liz Sanya and Slawn join forces to inspire dreamers, Ugo Mozie reimagines fashion in New York, and Ama Qamata shines as L’Oréal’s new star. Plus, Sarz lines up Afrobeats royalty, Irenosen Okojie earns RSL honors, Lauryn & Wyclef stun in Thebe Magugu, and Dembélé takes the Ballon d’Or.
What's On This October (Updated)
We’re outside celebrating culture this month! From Orry Shenjobi’s immersive A WÀ ǸBẸ̀ exhibition, to testing our Naija knowledge at The Big Fat Nigerian Pub Quiz, to dining fine at The Graceful Kitchen x Olu Olu Foods Supperclub — we’re linking up in true Marmalade style.
How Africans Celebrate New Year Across the Continent: Traditions and Meanings
Across Africa, the New Year is not just a date change on a calendar; it’s a deeply emotional moment shaped by history, faith, community, memory, and the promise of better days.
A Year in Conversation: The Complete Marmalade Interview Collection
Throughout the year, we sought out voices shaping culture and community. This guide collects the stories, ideas, and people who inspired us most along the way.
Reflections on 2025 and What Comes Next
A letter to the Marmalade Community from our Founder's desk ✍️
The Wine Club Lagos Is Changing How Nigeria Learns, Tastes, and Feels Wine
Folakemi Alli-Balogun shares the power of wine as a collective experience
The Final Spread: A Year Of Culture, Curated Just For You
This is our last newsletter of the year. It’s a thank you for reading, staying, and being a part of Marmalade Collective. Before 2025 closes, here’s one last note from us, honest and unfiltered.
A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting African Art
Featuring Lofty Spot & Elfreda Dali’s Second Spring
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