Ebony All-Access: Sights, Sounds and Style at the 2022 Afrochella Festival

Steeped in travel and photography, the cultural curator finds endless inspiration in their pages

Festival-goers at Afrochella 2022. Photo still from video by Ronald Akwesi Bruce and Chris Baiden.

By Eyram Rafael

Production by Richmond Ekow Barnes. Photography by Ernest Ankomah. Videography by Ronald Akwesi Bruce. Video Direction by Chris Baiden. Video Editing by Vision in View.

For many of us, the year doesn’t truly end until “Detty December,'' an annual sojourn taken by Black people from around the globe to return to the Motherland to reconnect, party and close things out in grand style. For five years, Ghana’s Afrochella festival has led the myriad “Detty December” activities and this year was no different.

Taking place at El Wak Stadium on December 28th and 29th, Afrochella 2022 welcomed over 9,000 revelers from around the world. As far as headlining acts go, the list was nothing short of extraordinary. The likes of Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, and Ayra Starr got the crowd dancing during their performances.

A festival-goer wears statement jewelry at Afrochella 2022. | Sport-inspired separates create a head-turning yet comfy look at Afrochella 2022. | Butterly hair accents and a multicolor floral ensemble conjure bohemian vibes at Afrochella 2022. Photos by Ernest Ankomah.

Beyond the music, the Afrochella festival is a kaleidoscope of cultural sights, colors and cuisine and with it comes a flurry of outstanding street style looks that showcase the creativity and cultural pride of its attendees. From bold prints and futuristic takes on traditional African dress--to intricate braids, accessories and head wraps--the style on display at the annual gathering is a masterclass in Africa’s diversity and fashion ingenuity.

With the shocking announcement by co-founder Abdul Abdulla that 2022 would mark the end of the beloved festival, this year was certainly one for the books. Below, check out some of the inimitable street style at this year’s Afrochella festival as documented by Accra-based photographer, Ernest Ankomah.

A modern mini paired with a cropped top in traditional African print at Afrochella 2022. | Stylist Alexander-Julian Gibbson and a chic festival-goer strike an arresting pose at Afrochella 2022. | A giant afro and layered jewels create a striking look at Afrochella 2022. Photos by Ernest Ankomah.

Stylish attendees wear matting headdresses at Afrochella 2022. | A dramatic silhouette in a bold hue takes center stage at Afrochella 2022. | Bantu knots and plenty of leg at Afrochella 2022. Photos by Ernest Ankomah.

Attendees put their stylish spin on classic black at Afrochella 2022. | Bold accessories take center stage at Afrochella 2022. | Butterly hair accents and a multicolor floral ensemble conjure bohemian vibes at Afrochella 2022. Photos by Ernest Ankomah.

Attendees rock color-coordinated outfits at Afrochella 2022. Photo by Ernest Ankomah. | A stylish trio rock head-turning looks that embrace the art of layering and mixed prints at Afrochella 2022. Photo by Ernest Ankomah.

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