House of Sota Marks 10 Years as BHLA, Rolling Stone Africa Partner to Promote Nigerian Culture Globally

BY: SUNDAY ADEBAYO

House of Sota Marks 10 Years as BHLA, Rolling Stone Africa Partner to Promote Nigerian Culture Globally

Founder of House of Sota and the Black History and Lifestyle Awards (BHLA), Folashade Balogun, has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture and fashion on the global stage as her fashion brand celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the anniversary celebration and partnership unveiling with Rolling Stone Africa, Balogun described the milestone as both exciting and fulfilling, noting that the journey has been driven by her passion for promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, especially adire fashion.

According to her, House of Sota has spent the last decade projecting Nigerian culture through fashion while encouraging more Nigerians to embrace local brands.

“I believe so much in Nigeria, and I believe adire can be worn to corporate places, offices, and even parties. This is me contributing my own quota to my country,” she said.

Balogun acknowledged that the fashion industry still faces challenges, particularly in the area of importation and customs processes, but maintained that opportunities for Nigerian brands continue to grow, especially among Africans in the diaspora who proudly embrace locally made products.

She urged Nigerians to invest more in indigenous brands, stressing that local fashion deserves the same level of support given to international labels.

“As Nigerians, this is the right time for us to invest in wearing our own brands and proudly showcase Made-in-Nigeria products to the world,” she added.

The anniversary celebration also coincides with a strategic partnership between BHLA, House of Sota, and Rolling Stone Africa, aimed at amplifying African stories, culture, and creativity globally.

Chief Executive Officer of Rolling Stone Africa, David Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, said the platform’s expansion into Nigeria marks a significant step in promoting African talent across music, sports, fashion, and film.

“Now is the time for Africa. Media plays a big role in creating opportunities for people, and we want to amplify the stories and talents coming from the continent,” he said.

Bellegarde-Smeralda described Nigeria as one of the biggest creative markets in Africa, citing its influence in entertainment, fashion, and culture as major reasons for Rolling Stone Africa’s presence in the country.

He also praised House of Sota and BHLA for their efforts in building cultural bridges between Africa and the diaspora.

Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Africa, Gwen Madiba, explained that the partnership would feature a “Culture on Culture Week,” a cultural exchange initiative designed to reconnect Afro-descendants with their African roots.

As part of the initiative, American reality television personality Olandria Carthen arrived in Nigeria for the first time to participate in the cultural activities and showcase Nigerian fashion, cuisine, and traditions.

Madiba noted that the collaboration is built on shared values centred on celebrating African heritage, empowering creatives, and supporting young people through impactful initiatives.

She disclosed that over 100 bags and educational materials would be donated to students through a joint outreach effort involving BHLA, House of Sota, Rolling Stone Africa, and fashion brand Kazamance. Menstrual hygiene products will also be distributed as part of activities marking Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Balogun further revealed that BHLA empowered more than 2,000 youths in collaboration with Yaba College of Technology last year, and plans are underway to expand the initiative this year.

Themed “Culture as an Economic Currency,” the anniversary event will focus on the economic potential of African culture across fashion, food, technology, artificial intelligence, and the creative industry.

Balogun said the partnership with Rolling Stone Africa would help take African stories beyond the continent while creating new opportunities for young creatives and entrepreneurs.

“Rolling Stone has been telling African stories for years, and there is no better partner for us. This relationship will continue beyond this week, and we are excited about what the future holds,” she said.