Music icon Janet Jackson has returned to the music scene in full force, first by reviving her State of the World tour, which is a rebranding of 2015's ill-fated Unbreakable tour, and then by releasing new music that features the aesthetic of African designers.
Janet Jackson has been rather vague about her moves since reviving her State of the World tour. Earlier in 2018, when asked about her new tracks, the 52-year-old singer told Billboard, "I'm not trying to avoid the question and be secretive, but the truth is that I don't try to analyse the creative process while it's still ongoing. I'm very intuitive about writing."
Shortly thereafter, the songstress tweeted: "Looking for dancers to dance with me on some really cool upcoming projects."
Fans were in for a surprise, which was revealed in her new song "Made for Now", featuring Daddy Yankee and with stunning pieces from two African designers.
The first is Cameroon-born, American-based designer Claude Kameni, the creative heart behind the label Lavie by CK. The fashion line encapsulates African grandeur in breathtaking dresses of exquisite African print and elaborate, sophisticated designs. For Jackson, Lavie by CK created a voluminous visual masterpiece in blues that made her look like an African water nymph.
Other looks in the line include:
The second is Ghana's award-winning jewellery designer Aphia Sakyi, whose neck piece, head and hand jewellery were front and centre in a humorous spoof version of Jackson's auditions for the "Made for Now" video. The neckpiece, titled 'Yaa Asantewaa', was taken from the jeweller's soon-to-be released Summer/Harmattan 2018 collection '50 Shades Of Print', which will be shown at the Accra Fashion Week in October.
