Ekow Barnes Honoured With the Future Awards Africa Prize for Fashion 2025

Ghanaian Editor and Creative Producer, Ekow Barnes, has been awarded the prestigious Future Awards Africa Prize for Fashion at the 19th edition of the Future Awards Africa, held in Lagos, Nigeria. The recognition marks a powerful milestone in his decade-long journey through the creative industry, one that began with pure curiosity and has evolved into a distinguished career shaping African fashion storytelling.

For Ekow Barnes, this award comes after years of exploring different corners of the creative space. From his early days as a model to his transition into writing, editing and producing culturally resonant visuals, his evolution has been a testament to consistency, reinvention and bold self-belief.

Reflecting on the win, he shared how far the journey has brought him. “Ten years ago, I was just a boy with no clear understanding of this creative industry,simply curious, experimenting, learning and finding my way in and out of different paths. Today, being recognized in this way reminds me how far consistency, creativity and patience can take you,” he noted.

Ekow Barnes emphasized that the award is not the culmination of his efforts, but rather a new marker in his growth.

Over the years, Ekow Barnes has built an impressive portfolio, working across fashion, creative direction and production. His work has contributed to amplifying African fashion narratives, spotlighting designers, models and cultural movements within the continent’s thriving creative ecosystem.

With this award, Ekow Barnes solidifies his place among the next generation of African creatives shaping the global future of fashion storytelling, one thoughtful, intentional project at a time.