ASFAs to honour visionary African trailblazers

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Unlike previous editions, the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards (ASFAs) 2025 will not host a wide award category lineup. Instead, the gala will spotlight pioneers whose contributions have transformed the continent’s creative landscape.

According to the organisers, the awards, set to take place on 19th December at Kampala Serena Hotel, will honour 20 visionary African trailblazers, who have shaped the future of African fashion, arts, culture and the broader creative economy.

“This year, we are taking a refined direction and have introduced an exclusive invitation-only black-tie gala. In a move to preserve the exclusivity and intimacy of the event, only 200 tickets will be sold to the public,” ASFAs founder Brian Ahumuza highlighted at a press conference on Friday.

He revealed that the honorary gala is part of a larger mission to accelerate growth for creatives in the fashion industries across Africa.

“The ASFAs have always been a movement. This year, we elevate that movement by recognising the people who have built foundations for African fashion to stand on. We are not just awarding excellence; we are honouring legacy, influence, and vision,” he said.

He revealed that this edition will feature showcases from top local and international designers, a grand red-carpet experience, a curated high-level networking experience for creatives, investors, innovators and stakeholders, plus performances from local and international acts.

Joram Muzira, the CEO of JMM models, said the gala is more than a celebration, but rather a launchpad for careers and a catalyst for growth in the African fashion economy.

“Opportunities like the ASFAs honorary gala are crucial. They showcase our models on premium stages and connect them with international agencies. They also provide pathways to represent Africa globally,” he said.

Solomon Muleyi, Creative Director at Adris Digital Africa, emphasised the significance of this year’s exclusive direction.

“The ASFAs honorary gala represents a refined evolution. We are celebrating depth over volume—visionaries over categories. This gala is about honouring the people who are shaping our future and starting meaningful conversations about empowering Africa’s creative economy,” he said.

Muleyi clarified that the change in dates from 12th December to 19th December was to allow the venue partner Kampala Serena Hotel the additional time needed to finalise renovations and prepare the space to meet the premium standards expected of the exclusive event.