Laolu and Odditty represent Africa on VMAS red-carpet - see photos

The 2021 MTV VMAs red carpet brought plenty of extra style on Sunday night. The awards show, which featured performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Normani, and more, was staged at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and the red carpet was packed with star power.

Lil Nas X was one of the first celebrities to arrive, wearing a lavender look from Versace with an off-the-shoulder top and train. Olivia Rodrigo also wore Versace for her first-ever MTV VMAs, staying true to her love for vintage in a gown from the luxury brand’s Spring 2001 collection. Kacey Musgraves opted for a Valentino Couture look from the Fall 2021 collection, comprised of a royal purple mini dress, the Italian fashion house’s beloved feathered hat, and red evening gloves.

Representing the African continent on the red-carpet were, Nigerian artist, Laolu and digital creator, Odditty.  The former human rights attorney, Laolu wore a "Sankofa" inspired jacket detailing his African roots and appreciating the African culture while Odditty had paintings of various African symbols on her skin.

"Sankofa" is a word in the Akan Twi and Fante languages of Ghana that translates to "retrieve" (literally "go back and get") The symbol represented either with a stylized heart shape or by a bird with its head turned backwards while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth.

See photos below;