Tradition meets style: Black culture on the Legacy Awards black carpet

Much like the spirited reunions at a family gathering, the Legacy Awards black carpet on Sunday was a jubilant celebration of culture, creativity and Black excellence. For many, the night was a chance to display their heritage through their fashion, hair, makeup and accessories. From bold fabrics reminiscent of African royalty to intricate hairstyles that honoured ancestral traditions, this year's looks were a vibrant display of cultural pride and self-expression. 

I got the chance to witness it all up close and chat with some of the guests. Everyone showed up and showed out, but here are nine standout looks that celebrated our culture in the most beautiful ways.

d'bi.young anitafrika

The presence of dub poet, playwright and performer d'bi.young anitafrika on the black carpet was nothing short of a cultural flex. Celebrating African heritage and storytelling through fashion, they wore a bold Ankara-print tuxedo by Enagancio. Also striking: anitafrika's oversized beaded mint-green earrings — picked up during her time in South Africa. "When I think of storytelling … I think of my clothes as the embodiment of visual esthetic storytelling," she said. "Absolutely me ah go draw for de African print because I want to tell that story — our vibrancy, resilience and insistence on celebrating even as we are experiencing the deepest degradations." 

Weyni Mengesha

Director and Icon Award recipient Weyni Mengesha embraced the contemporary while paying homage to her roots with a traditional Albaso hairstyle from Ethiopia and Eritrea. "I'm representing my mom's peeps," she said. "It's the hairstyle that I grew up watching my mom wear, that I got my hair braided in when we went to weddings." Mengesha's look wasn't just a fashion statement — it was a tribute to the women who raised her and to the Legacy Awards for creating space for her to fully embrace her culture.

George Sully

Award-winning designer George Sully showed out on the black carpet in a sharp tailored blue suit by Black-owned custom menswear company Fari Hara. As founder of the accessories brand Sully & Son Co. and the visionary behind Black Designers of Canada — a non-profit supporting Black creatives in fashion, graphic design and interior design — Sully is passionate about celebrating Black excellence in fashion. "Of course, I had to represent," he said.

Donisha Prendergast

Donisha Prendergast — filmmaker, actor and part of the legendary Marley family — was serving a look rich in culture and legacy. With a handmade short-sleeved wool sweater by French brand Creole and a vintage denim skirt from her aunt Cedella Marley's Catch a Fire line, Prendergast's outfit was as much about ancestry as it was about fashion. "We haffa hold de roots, even on the red carpet," she said. Her thrifted earrings reflect her commitment to reusing and recycling — part of her culture and lifestyle. 

Sheronna Osbourne 

Actor and director Sheronna Osbourne pulled up to the black carpet in a hot pink dress by Nigerian designer Kadiju, paired with a custom hat by local Black artist JKB Studios. Osbourne's look was pure art; both bold and purposeful. "It's especially important for me to wear a Black designer — especially a female one — because tonight is about celebrating our wins," she said. 

Aqyila

R&B singer Aqyila lit up the black carpet in a mesmerizing gold gown by Johannesburg-based designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. Aqyila said the design, inspired by South African royalty, made her feel as if she was "dipped in gold." She emphasized her love for South African culture and the strong connection with her fan base there. Her flawless hair and makeup by an all-Black female glam squad added the final touches to her regal ensemble. "I feel like a princess," she said.

Queeny Kuffour

Actor, writer and content creator Queeny Kuffour had the Black girl magic turned all the way up. The Digital Creator Fan Choice Award nominee adorned herself in meaningful jewelry, including stunning gold Sankofa earrings. "Sankofa is an adinkra symbol that means 'go back and get it,'" she said. She also honoured her Akan culture with traditional Ghanaian beaded bracelets, worn during the Adowa dance she grew up performing with her mother. Kuffour's look was a powerful and elegant homage to her heritage.

Karlyn Percil

Life coach Karlyn Percil beautifully mixed cultural pride and sustainable fashion with a vivid red Beni Boo Styles tulle skirt, a thrifted top from Value Village and earrings from Khoi. And her Africa-shaped bracelet was from Rwanda. "It's a reminder not just of my African roots, but also a reminder to celebrate my African roots, because there is so much cultural erasure in our everyday lives," she said.

Intrinity

Popular DJ and producer Intrinity came through loud and proud. He rocked a limited-edition Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, which was a collaboration with Canadian brand Too Black Guys for this year's NHL All-Star Weekend. "Too Black Guys is a great Toronto brand, created in the '90s to represent the Black experience unapologetically," he said. And the "Too Black" emblazoned on the back made a powerful statement. "I was gonna go with a suit jacket, but I had to be completely intentional with it," he said. "I couldn't be more proud to be wearing this jersey at the biggest celebration of Black excellence in Canada."

Nneka Elliott is a former award-winning TV news personality and now a lifestyle content creator. She shares her love of beauty, style and wellness and her adventures as a millennial mom @nnekaelliott.