Ẹgbẹ́ Ayọ̀ tabi Eégún Ayọ̀: days of joy

The Eegun masquerade is a central part of Nigerian spiritual and ancestral veneration. Egungun represents ancestors returning to bless and visit the living, and the ritual involves dancers in vibrant masks and flowing colorful garments. The masquerades usually visit during festivals and celebrations to offer protection, blessings, and guidance. The performative fashion show is an immersive fashion experience exploring black joy and guiding the audience through several key points in Berlin using oral storytelling, climaxing with participatory performances and interactive artworks at the experimental physical space, SAVVY Contemporary.

This project combines elements of sustainable fashion, African visual arts and storytelling, and contemporary movement, creating a rich and culturally infused spectacle. The project will commence at a train station, and the audience will be invited to participate on the journey through Berlin, in a train, with some styles shown in the carriage and train stations then leading to the final presentation outside and inside the physical location. The performative fashion show will unfold in stages, each carefully planned to provide a seamless and engaging experience for the audience at multiple levels. Models will be covered up while going through the journey and will only be revealed when it is needed to, creating an atmosphere of mystic and suspense. At the final location there will be a runway show with videos, photographs, installations and a short DJ Set.