OBA

At Wales' largest carnival with over 25,000 attendees, I presented OBA, an Afrofuturist performance celebrating multicultural Cardiff and Wales. My contribution included six fully handmade designs created through textile design, hand-painted fabric work, and hand-crafted crowns and headpieces — all developed through careful research and inspiration drawn from traditions around the world. Highlights include a floral crown inspired by Indian jasmine symbolism and a radiant yellow dress representing hope and optimism. The centrepiece is the OBA garment, rooted in Yoruba tradition honouring Obatala, complete with a beaded crown and ceremonial whisk. Blending West African, East African, and Indian heritage, this work transformed the stage into a powerful statement of identity, inclusivity and unity — proving art is a true bridge between cultures.