Fashion and film are at their very best together when conveying a message. In the sequel version of Eddie Murphy’s 80s hit movie ‘Coming 2 America’, Oscar winning designer Ruth Carter, curated a chunk of African and African American designers in creating and sourcing pieces and accessories that informed the contemporary African feel that shone bright throughout the film.
Among the cluster of Accessory designers lives Ghanaian powerhouse Aphia Sakyi, who already counts award-winning artists Janet Jackson and Ciara as global clients.
Sakyi’s African brass faced necklace was gracefully adorned on the neck of principal character Princess Makeeba (Kiki Layne) as well as Akeem’s aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall) and royal servant Oha (Paul Bates).
Speaking on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM, Sakyi disclosed the initial conversation was to source one piece from her outfit, but it later resulted in several purchases, which were used in styling characters in multiple scenes.
“They first bought a piece from us to see how it will complement the look they have. So after the first piece, they felt they needed more pieces to be able to style more designs,” she said.
This is not the first time Sakyi’s handmade accessories have appeared on the global spotlight. In 2018, Janet, wore her Yaa Asantewaa neck piece in the music video ‘Made For Now’.
The Yaa Asantewaa necklace was part of her Summer/Hammer 2018 collection ’50 Shades of Print’.
While Sakyi’s works featured in the costume department of the movie, celebrated actor/comedian of Ghanaian descent Michael Blanckson also made an appearance, forming part of General Izzi’s (Wesley Snipes) pile of Soldiers, who caused disturbances inside the palace.
Elsewhere in the film’s production ‘Korobo’ by Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage featured in the background, while Davido made a cameo appearance as himself performing his hit song ‘Assurance’.
Grammy award winning artiste Burna Boy, also vocalized one of the film’s track list alongside EGOT holder John Legend and Nile Rodgers.
