The 2022 FIFA World Cup just kicked off in Qatar, where Africa is being represented by Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

For most Africans, the tournament is a platform that reinforces continental unity, helping bridge the gap between Africans on the continent, and Diasporans globally. Since 2010, when South Africa became the first African country to host the tournament, 54 Kingdoms embarked on a creative journey of designing collections inspired by the United African vision engineered by the honorable Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Forward Ever, Backward Never is the final World Cup collection by 54 Kingdoms as the company reaches the last phase of its unity design blueprint. The blueprint, which is primarily inspired by Pan-African giants, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Marcus Garvey ― aims to give the continent a larger vision of itself via four main themes: Educate, Unite, Build and Progress. Each collection is tied to a theme dating back to Homecoming in 2010 (Educate), Score for Unity in 2014 (Unite), and Goal 54 in 2018 (Build).

“This is a bittersweet moment for us. As storytellers, one of the hardest things is to write an ending for any story, and unfortunately the end has come for our World Cup collection series. This creative journey started with inspiration from Dr. Nkrumah and will end with him. Hence, a collection paying homage to one of his profound statements, Forward Ever, Backward Never” ~ Kwaku Awuah, 54 Kingdoms President.

In the Progress phase, the Forward Ever, Backward Never (FEBN) design seeks to echo Nkrumah’s larger vision of a united and developed Africa free of any form of colonial rule. However, ‘Forward Ever, Backward Never’ also means Africa shouldn’t bemoan its past misdeeds all the time; we should forge ahead, but when a similar challenge resurfaces, we look back and remind ourselves that we shouldn’t make the same mistake again.

Throughout this tournament, Forward Ever, Backward Never is a reminder to Africa’s representatives to push forward even when it seems impossible, and never look back!

The Forward Ever, Backward Never is a limited edition collection available for pre-orders on November 23, 2022 with expected shipment starting on December 9, 2022. More details will be updated on the 54 Kingdoms website soon!

The 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards took place in Düsseldorf, Germany on Sunday night hosted by Aotearoa’s very own Taika Waititi and his partner, British pop star Rita Ora. (more…)

The filmmakers and cast from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever celebrated the film’s upcoming release earlier last night at the film’s first official African premiere at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki in Lagos.

Director Ryan Coogler, along with Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta Mejía. along with local musicians featured in the film, Seni Saraki, Teni Zaccheaus, Bloody Civilian, P Priime, Cracker Mallo, Lady Donli, LMBSKN, Bolaji Williams, Olamiji “G-Lammy” Sodiya, Uzo Nwabudike and DBN Gogo joined dignitaries and guests at the black carpet premiere event.

Also present were some of the Nigerian showbiz’s leading men and women. Here is what some of them wore to the Wakanda-themed premiere!

Ghanaian forward-thinking fashion brand, Chalé.Global unveils a new jersey collection designed for patriots and lovers of everything Ghana. (more…)

Sprayground – the rebellious, artistically designed backpack and apparel brand, is unveiling a new backpack design inspired by the tales of love and friendship throughout the legendary series of Sailor Moon. 

This official collaboration with Sailor Moon features Sailor Moon herself in vibrant colors overlaying a starry night – and (of course) the iconic Shark Mouth that Sprayground is known and loved for. The graphics in this collaboration explore the magic of the legendary manga series featuring a visually stunning starry night background for Sailor Moon to stand out by. 

David BenDavid, founder and creative director of Sprayground, ensured this design was nothing short of eccentric by creating such a large portrait design backpack for the series. Sprayground has made a name for themselves in the fashion industry for their artsy, unique, fun and elevated versions of a regular backpack. All Sprayground backpacks are complete with a separate laptop compartment and a conveniently-placed velour interior pouch, as well as some fun secret pockets! 

As with all Sprayground backpacks, the Sailor Moon collaboration will be a limited release and will never again be produced when – not if, when – it sells out. This backpack will make anyone feel like a sailor scout!

Retailing at $65 USD, the new collection is available to shop now at www.sprayground.com. For more news and exclusive first looks, head to @sprayground.