Outfits do more than decorate, they amplify who the artist is, where they come from, and what they believe in. When African prints like Ankara or Kente show up on global screens, they bring visibility to designers and traditions. Fashion in music videos can even shift trends worldwide, like in this Billboard feature on how Afrobeats artists are using fashion to tell their stories.

Videos that feel authentic often feature local stylists, real fabrics, and traditional patterns, not just what looks flashy. A great example is highlighted in Styled to the Beat: Legendary Looks in Afrobeat Music Videos, which breaks down some unforgettable moments.

Here are some great examples of videos that don't just use African fashion as background but make it part of the message.

Beyonce — "Black is King"

In Beyoncé's Black Is King, the video for "Already" shines with Nigerian lace, gele, and elaborate headpieces inspired by different African cultures. The fashion feels like both celebration and identity.

Solange — "Losing You"

In Solange's "Losing You", shot in Cape Town, the singer plays with bright colors and bold tailoring, drawing inspiration from Les Sapeurs in Congo. It's playful, stylish, and deeply rooted in African fashion culture.

Yemi Alade — "Johnny"
Yemi Alade's breakout hit Johnny didn't just put her on the global stage, it showcased Ankara prints and playful tailoring that are now iconic in Afropop fashion.

Davido — "Aye"
In Davido's Aye, the storyline is set in a rural African community where traditional attires, especially wrappers and beaded accessories, tell a love story rooted in culture rather than wealth.

Wizkid & Drake — "Come Closer"
Wizkid's video Come Closer highlights futuristic sets balanced with Ankara prints and bold jewelry. His fashion choices here helped cement Afrobeats as a global wave, not just a local trend.

Angelique Kidjo — "Agolo"
Angelique Kidjo's Agolo remains a timeless reminder of how African fashion can be deeply spiritual. With headscarves, beads, and body art, her look becomes as central to the music as the drums and chants.

Oumou Sangaré — "Yere Faga"
The Malian diva Oumou Sangaré is famous for her fearless use of African fashion. In Yere Faga, she wears bold wax prints and structured gowns that look like they belong on couture runways.

In the Afrobeats fashion evolution feature on Billboard, stylists explain that artists don't just wear these outfits for beauty, they wear them to say, this is who I am, and this is where I come from. It's identity on display.

Finally, these music videos remind us of the power of mixing the traditional with the modern. All these show that African fashion is not stuck in the past, it's shaping the future.

If these music videos made you want to try African-inspired fashion for yourself, the good news is, you totally can! The key is to start simple and make it personal.

One easy way is to mix traditional and modern pieces. For instance, you can pair a bold Ankara jacket with plain jeans or a sleek dress. The print becomes the star, but you're still comfortable and contemporary.

Another tip is to play with colors and patterns confidently. African fashion is all about expression and prints like Kitenge and Dashiki are designed to stand out. If you're worried about clashing, stick with one bold item and balance it with neutral basics.

You can also accessorize with intention. Adding African bead jewelry or a gele headwrap instantly elevates an outfit and ties your look back to culture and heritage.

And finally, be mindful of where you shop. Supporting designers and local brands makes a difference.