Michael Okunloro

Let’s be honest, there has never been a better time to be an African man than right now. The world is consuming our music and content, and for the first time in a long time many of us are proud to shout from the rooftops that we are Nigerian, Ghainian, African- so what better time to also show the world that our fashion is what Wakanda dreams are made of! Marvel’s hit Black Panther gave our fashion a huge platform- and if you watched it you can’t tell me you didn’t see T’Challa wear cocaine white once or twice.

In this post I will focus on these 3 major Yoruba (a tribe in Nigeria) men’s traditional outfits: Kaftan, Dashiki and Agbada; and the importance of you having each of them in cocaine white in your wardrobe. 

Are you wondering how ‘cocaine’ is relevant to this conversation at all? LOL, don’t worry I got you. ‘Cocaine white’ is actually a real thing in Nigerian fashion. It is an adjective used by traders of ‘Eko Idumota market’ (one of the most popular wholesale fabric markets in Nigeria) to describe top notch white fabrics. So when next you’re making a new white outfit in Nigeria, all you have to do is tell your tailor- “I’m thinking cocaine white” and leave the rest to him. Don’t worry, he knows the drill. 

White remains one for my favourite colors because it is the colour of angels. It is also a colour worn by Yoruba men (like me) a lot- although ironically once Nigerian women spot us in it, they refer to us as ‘Yoruba Demons’ instead. According to them, we’re great to look at in our white Kaftans, Dashiki’s or Agbada’s but we come with a whole lot of trouble. Of course I have no idea what they mean. 

Anyway, another reason I love white is because of how minimalist it can be. You don’t have to do too much and any choice of accessories you make will blend in perfectly. It is also the perfect colour when you don’t know what to wear to a special occasion. So without further ado, here are my quick descriptions of my favourite Cocaine White styles and why you should cop a pair or two! 

KAFTAN

A kaftan consists of basically a ‘buba and sokoto’. The buba (top) is either a short sleeve, 3 quarter or long-sleeve, and is usually a loose-fitting garment with side or chest pockets. I love my buba as simple as the word itself. Although there are different embroidery or designs you add to your buba to give it a little more magic.

DASHIKI

It consists of a traditional garment which is the top and Sokoto (trouser). It is one of the most iconic African pieces of clothing and it is usually embroidered in the front to suit your style and preference.

Agbada 

The Agbada is the real MVP. The outfit of Kings and Princes. If you think about what the Tuxedo signifies to the western world, that’s what an Agbada signifies to us. Regal and perfect for special events and occasions. The Agbada is a 3 piece outfit that consists of the buba, sokoto and then a loose-fitting robe-like coverup to be worn on top of the buba. The robe is designed with delicate embroidery and tailored so neatly and structured that it immediately commands respect. Of these 3 outfits, the agbada is the one most attractive in cocaine white.

Now here’s why you should own one of these 3 African styles:

• They command class and respect 
• They are reusable values 
• They are economical. White is versatile so it can be worn for all occasions and can be styled with many different accessories to make your look different every time. 
• In our world today, they speak a universal language  
• Most importantly, if you wear any of them, you’ll never have to show your invite to another Nigerian ‘owambe'(party) ever again! Automatic entry fit for a King!

Our goal at twelve19 styles is to make clothes that men will feel comfortable in, while also setting them apart from the rest. I am giving all readers of this post a %20 discount on our cocaine white outfits using this discount code: 21days. Reach out to Anne (+234(0)9038025378) tell her i sent you and the password is “21days’