Africa Fashion Week Nigeria Announces Gbenga Artsmith as Official Jeweler for AFWN 2025
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN), Nigeria’s premier platform celebrating African fashion, culture and creativity, is proud to announce its partnership with Gbenga Artsmith as the Official Jeweler for the AFWN 2025: Naija December Experience, taking place on December 20–21, 2025 at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos.
The collaboration brings one of Africa’s most respected accessory designers into the creative fold of AFWN’s expanded festival-style edition, reinforcing the event’s commitment to promoting African craftsmanship, culture, and homegrown excellence on the global stage.
Gbenga Ayo-Dada, founder and Creative Director of Gbenga Artsmith, is widely recognized as a leading figure in contemporary African jewelry design. Known for his bold artistry, culturally rooted aesthetics, and meticulous handcrafting techniques, his work has been featured on CNN African Voices, British Vogue, ThisDay Style, BellaNaija Style, and numerous international and local platforms. His custom pieces have adorned celebrities, thought leaders, and discerning clients who seek a sophisticated blend of African elegance and modern luxury.
“Gbenga Artsmith represents the spirit of African craftsmanship at its finest,” said Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Founder and Executive Director of AFWN. “His ability to merge culture, innovation, and storytelling through jewelry embodies everything AFWN stands for. We are delighted to welcome him as Official Jeweler for AFWN 2025 as we celebrate the vibrancy, heritage, and creativity of African fashion.”
Beyond his design accomplishments, Gbenga Ayo-Dada has distinguished himself as a creative entrepreneur and social advocate. He has championed meaningful causes through projects such as the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Series, and multiple charity collaborations using his art as a tool for awareness, education, and community impact.
He is also the founder of the Jewellionaires’ Academy, where he mentors emerging designers and creative entrepreneurs across Africa through free e-books, masterclasses, and online courses. His mission is to equip the next generation of craftpreneurs with the discipline, business acumen, and creative confidence needed to build sustainable enterprises.
“It is an honour to collaborate with Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, a platform that has continually championed African designers and showcased our continent’s creative excellence,” said Gbenga Ayo-Dada. “Jewelry has always been a form of artistic expression, and AFWN2025 is the perfect stage to tell powerful stories through craftsmanship. I look forward to curating pieces that reflect the richness of our heritage and the ingenuity of the African spirit.”
Founded 12 years ago on the verandah of his family home, Gbenga Artsmith has evolved into one of Africa’s most recognized luxury accessory brands. Each Artsmith piece is handcrafted using carefully selected gems, premium gold-filled metals, and a signature fusion of traditional and modern techniques, a feature that has earned the brand invitations to London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, the Commonwealth Summit, and other prestigious global events.
As AFWN 2025 reimagines its 11th edition showcase into a multi-sensory fashion festival, Gbenga Artsmith will play a vital role in defining the jewelry aesthetic of this year’s edition.
Attendance for the 11th Edition of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) is free, with advance registration required via AFWN’s official channels. Further announcements regarding designers, partnerships, activations, and accreditation and event schedule is available via AFWN’s website: www.africafashionweeknigeria.com
