I love my work. It has given me the opportunity to break boundaries and stand apart in my own light. "Maryann Kaikai In Sierra Leone, females represent 50.8 per cent of the total population (7.4 million) nationally. All across the country, women play a key role in the political and socio-economic growth of the country. From the bustling local markets of Kroo Town Road, to the busy offices on Siaka Stevens Street, women strive daily to leave their mark. However, due to the pa

On Saturday 13 April 2019, Maryann Kaikai, Creative Director of Madam Wokie, was honoured with the Eminence Africa Lifetime Achievement and Excellence Award for her contribution to the Sierra Leone fashion industry in and out of Sierra Leone. Eminence Africa Entertainment is a non-profit making organisation built on a foundation of love for country and passion. Among other initiatives, the organisation celebrates the work of youths and honours the contributions of seasoned p

GTBank Fashion Weekend is a consumer focused fashion exhibition and capacity building event that aims to promote enterprise within the fast growing Nigerian fashion industry. GTBank Fashion Weekend brings together the most promising, talented and recognised fashion designers, brands and retail enterprises from across Nigeria and abroad to showcase the latest trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, press and industry enthusiasts. The 3rd edition of th

My first stop on my GTB Lagos Fashion Weekend journey was to Nike Art Gallery, to pay homage to legendary artist, Dr Nike Davies-Okundaye. Nike Art Gallery is West Africa's largest art gallery, with branches in Lagos, Abuja, Kogi and Osun states in Nigeria. Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye was born in 1951 in Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State, Nigeria. She was brought up amidst the traditional weaving and dying practice in her native village of Ogidi in Western Nigeria. Chief Nike's

Madam Wokie is excited to announce that the Madam Wokie Kettle Bags are exclusively available for purchase at Designing Africa Collective, Village Market Mall, Nairobi Kenya. Designing Africa Collective, is a multi brand concept store featuring emerging and premium African and Independent Designers. The store is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Madam Wokie #MadamWokie #DesigningAfricaCollective #MaryannKaikai #AnkaraBag

In 2010 Madam Wokie launched the Madam Wokie Arts and Craft Project to provide capacity building, mentorship and skills training for young women and girls. Every year, Madam Wokie selects a group of young women and girls to train in particular trade that will subsequently result in income generation, self-sufficiency and employability. This year nine young women wear selected for training in carpet manufacturing at Madam Wokie. Using recyclable fabrics from unused garment

When creating a portfolio for Sarah Laura Tucker's Miss Sierra Leone 2018 Campaign, it was important that we work with other Sierra Leonean brands and business to showcase her versatility and professionalism. The first brand I included in the shoot was Royal Dynamite who specialise in T-Shirts, sweatshirts and other great quality inspired by Sierra Leone. I also had the pleasure of working with Sierra Leonean designer, The Pa Musa who designed and styled looks for Sarah Lau

In August 2018 Madam Wokie had the pleasure of managing the Miss Sierra Leone 2018 campaign for Sarah Laura Tucker. On Saturday 25th August 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker, a student of the Mass Communication Department at the Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, was crowned Miss Sierra Leone 2018. An proud alumni of the St Josephs convent Secondary School, Sarah Laura Tucker, was once crowned Miss Convent in 2010. Sarah notes "It was an honour to be crowned Miss Sierra

The MODE by Musu Kaikai Autumn/Winter 2018 Lookbook, Femme Elégante, is inspired by the beautiful women of Senegal, who are among the most regal in West Africa. The collection of mini and maxi Boubou gowns features brightly coloured, intricately embroidered, organza, silk and chiffon fabrics, adorned with elaborate head wraps. It also includes simple multi-coloured maxi dresses. The Boubou gown is the traditional dress of Senegalese women, which can be worn every day, or on s

In June 2018, Maryann Kaikai, Creative Director of Madam Wokie, attended Dakar Fashion Week. In attendance at Dakar Fashion week were Adama Paris, Naomi Campbell's stylist Lejenke, Bapoulo of Lartisane Shop, Kenyan Designer Collector and fashion guru Diana Opoti; and Nigerian fashion designer Tsemaye Binitie, Sierra leonean luxury shopper Latoya Bianca Gerber of Leone Luxe, and several notable individuals in the global and African Fashion scene. To see all the scoop

In August 2018 Madam Wokie had the pleasure of styling and directing a shoot for Miss Sierra Leone 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker and Freetown based spa, Nal Li Spa. Na-Li Spa is a beauty and wellness centre based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, that caters to both men and women. The Spa's services include: Hair & nails Body & facial wax Body treatments Hot stone massage Eyelash extensions, etc Speaking about her experience at Na-Li Spa, Sarah Laura Tucker notes " Taking time out each

On 26 June 2017 Brima Manso Bangura received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award from HRH Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. Brima is the only Sierra Leonean to have won the award this year. In attendance at he event were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex; Prince Harry and Megan Markle, former British Prime Minister John, Major; David Beckham and several other high profile individuals.  Madam Wokie is proud to have styled Brim

At the heart of Madam Wokie is the desire to create  bespoke and ready-to-wear  pieces that leave people feeling confident, beautiful  and empowered on the inside and out. I also enjoy enjoy working with talented creatives who bring my vision to life. This week I will be sharing photos from my recent photo shoot for our stockist, Inamunai. These pieces  will be available to shop on the Inamunai website, and at the shop in Freetown. Dress: Madam Wokie Model: Mma Jawara Makeup:

In May 2018, Maryann Kaikai, Creative Director of Madam Wokie, had an interview with BBC journalist Ed  Butler  for the BBC Business Daily programme on the topic Rebranding Africa. Madam Wokie is honoured  to be recognised for our hard work over the years, and look forward to developing the brand further. You can listen to the interview by clicking Here. Madam Wokie #MadamWokie #MaryannKaikai #BBCBusinessdaily

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in the United Kingdom in March 2018.  Queen's Young Leader and Executive Director Of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects Sierra Leone, PJ Cole, was invited to speak at the formal opening of the meeting. The event was formally opened by the Queen, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and members of the Royal Household including Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry. Also in attendance were several Commonwealth heads of governme

The photos below were taken for Madam Wokie's Spring Summer 2018 Couture Lookbook. When we launched Madam Wokie in April 2009, the aim was to create African inspired Couture pieces that represented the over-the-top, fabulous African Queen. It is always a joy going back to our roots and exploring mew designs. Creative director: Maryann Kaikai for Madam Wokie Model: Mma Jawara Photographer: Tolu Jethro Bade of Envizage Concepts Makeup: Billakiss Kissabill Dollarbill Madam Wokie

In March 2018, Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee, Gabourey Sidibie, wore the Madam Wokie off-the-shoulder dress to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in Beverly Hills, California. Does she look gorgeous or what... Madam Wokie #MadamWokie #MaryannKaikai #GaboureySidibie

Musu Kaikai with Harold Tillman, Chairman of the Commonwealth Fashion Council On 20 February 2018, Madam Wokie participated in the Commonwealth Fashion Council Exhibition and Reception on 'Celebrating Commonwealth Fashion' at the New Zealand High Commission, London. The event was part of the Commonwealth Fashion series of events celebrating fashion in the Commonwealth, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April 2018. The event aimed at at fosterin

In January 2018 Madam Wokie was featured by the Finnish Broadcasting Company programme World Politics Everyday, in their article and radio broadcast on Sierra Leone. Thank you to Umaru Fofana and Maria Tolsa for this fantastic opportunity to highlight the experiences of small business in Sierra Leone. To listen to broadcast (I start speaking at 13 minutes) click here and to read the full article click here. Madam Wokie #MadamWokie #MaryannKaikai #MadeinSierraLeone

MADAM WOKIE FLORAL MIDI GOWN The Madam Wokie midi gown and print kimono are two of Madam Wokie's signature pieces for S/S 2018. They comes in a variety of prints and sizes, and is available for purchase at Ina Munai, a Pan-African fashion curator for lovers of unique and native gear by Africa’s hottest designers. Ina Munai  delivers the hottest new African Fashions to buyers in the US and beyond. The pieces were photographed by Sierra Leone based photographer, Tolu Jethro Bad