Disney Theatrical Group brought the magic of the West End to the runway …
Opening the evening catwalk showcase at this year’s Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), which took place on 9th and 10th August 2025, with a breathtaking live performance from The Lion King.
The special appearance transformed the runway into a celebration of theatre, fashion, and African heritage, delighting audiences and setting an unforgettable tone for the night.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Disney Theatrical Group and AFWL united to create a fusion of storytelling and style. The Lion King cast took to the runway in full costume and character, delivering a powerful opening number that immersed the audience in the colours, rhythms, and energy of the Pride Lands before the evening’s designers presented their collections.
AFWL’s Creative Director, Bola Obileye, brought her signature artistry to the collaboration by designing custom outfits for the performers. Leading singer and actress Thenjiwe Nofemele, who plays Rafiki in The Lion King, was dressed in a bespoke creation that fused traditional African textiles with contemporary runway flair, reflecting both the character’s wisdom and the event’s vibrant energy. Supporting singers Matthew Nhlapho and Sipho Mlombile were also outfitted in tailored, African-inspired garments designed to complement the production’s theatrical aesthetic while seamlessly integrating into the catwalk’s high-fashion setting.
Obileye said, “Designing these pieces was about honouring both the essence of The Lion King and the spirit of Africa Fashion Week London. For Thenjiwe, Matthew, and Sipho, I wanted each garment to reflect their character’s energy while also standing proudly on the runway as a piece of high fashion rooted in African heritage.”
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, noted, “To have The Lion King open our evening catwalk was an extraordinary moment for AFWL. It perfectly captured the spirit of our event, showcasing African heritage, creativity, and performance at the highest level.”
Africa Fashion Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition event is one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion & design. Now in its 15th year, AFWL has hosted 3000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and global media. Overall, 26 African countries and 67 countries have been represented, including diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas.