Bamenda's cultural heartbeat was reignited today as the North West Fashion and Designers Association (NOFADA) held a press conference to unveil the second edition of the Atoghu Fashion Festival. Set to unfold from 25–27 April 2025 in Bamenda, the event promises a colourful fusion of heritage, fashion, creativity and community under the theme: “One Brand, One People, The Pride of the Grassfield.
The president of NOFADA, Vumomsi Ngwefonta flanked by other members of the organising committee, addressed the press, stakeholders and partners to affirm the festival’s mission of making Atoghu not just an attire, but a living symbol of identity for the Grassfield people of Cameroon. Dressed in a rich blend of black velvet with intricate embroidery and a stunning traditional cap; hallmarks of Atoghu, Ngwefonta radiated pride and purpose.
“In a world where trends shift daily, our vision is clear, cultural fashion must stand tall with a unique identity that reflects our values, our rich heritage, and the need to preserve it for generations to come.”
This year's festival is not just a showcase of elegant Atoghu designs; it is a cultural movement. From storytelling and poetry to dance, archive exhibitions, and live fashion galleries, the event aims to restore cultural pride and pass it on to younger generations.
“This is a platform where culture meets creativity, talent meets opportunity, and purpose meets expression,” Ngwefonta emphasised.
One of the standout announcements during the conference was the festival’s growing commitment to inclusivity. Nogning Armelle, a member of the organising committee, revealed that the number of persons with disabilities participating has more than doubled this year, from less than ten in the previous edition to over twenty currently.
The Atoghu Fashion Festival has positioned itself not only as a celebration but also a learning and unifying space. On 25 April, designers will engage in a workshop alongside researchers and experts in the cultural and creative industries. It will serve as a critical space to reflect on how cultural fashion can be used as a tool for development and cohesion.
The Ministry of Arts and Culture, represented by Caroline Fombosoh, joined the Vice President of NOFADA, Philas Chenwi, in presenting the festival as a moment of non-violence and peaceful interaction. They highlighted that designers have been encouraged to make Atoghu and its derivatives more affordable, thus widening access and appreciation.
“We want parents to come with their children. We want the Gen Zs to experience our heritage not as something ancient but as something stylish, alive, and relevant,” Ngwefonta urged, envisioning families discovering their roots through the rhythm of drums, the colours of fabric, and the taste of traditional palm wine.
More than just fashion, the Atoghu Festival is deeply embedded in the push for a cultural economy. Quoting UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, Ngwefonta reminded the audience that “fashion is really taking off in Africa, in unlikely ways. This report shows that fashion is growing and it can be developed even further.” she emphasised how this growth aligns with Cameroon’s national cultural policy and the broader global narrative on African creative industries.
The event will be a marketplace too, where attendees can purchase unique Atoghu items, some inspired by ancient designs worn by ancestors. For many fashion lovers, the promise of seeing rare, heritage-based pieces worn on the runway makes this festival an unmissable highlight.
“The Atoghu Fashion Festival is Afrofuturism in practice. It’s a bold declaration that our future can rely on African ways of being creative. It is high time we valorised and made our culture a force to reckon with, beginning right here where it all originates.” Ngwefonta stated.
The event would not be possible without a coalition of supporters. Ngwefonta extended gratitude to partners including the CBCHS SEEPD Project, eBASE Africa, Bafcul, CCC, NWCA, MTN, Premier Security Company, and their strategic partner Black Swagger Inc. Their contributions, she said, have helped shape the festival into a source of hope, resilience, and cultural pride.
Event highlights:
25 April: Workshop with designers, researchers & creative experts
26 April (9 AM): Official opening ceremony at Club 58, Bamenda
27 April (11 AM): Live fashion gallery and storytelling event
Atoghu is not just fabric. It is history stitched into velvet, identity sewn in patterns, and pride worn with purpose. This April, Bamenda wears its culture loud and proud.
By Bakah Derick
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