Nigerian stars Ayra Starr and Tems lit up the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala in New York on Monday night, turning heads alongside American singer Coco Jones in bold, custom-made outfits that celebrated Black creativity and style.
The three singers posed together for photos, a moment that quickly went viral on social media with fans praising their fashion choices and cultural pride.
Tems, making her return to the Met Gala after her headline-making debut in 2023, wore a deep blue shirt dress by Ozwald Boateng. The look, inspired by Black dandyism, featured a green patterned tie, ribboned hair and an umbrella—a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance.
First-timer Ayra Starr also rocked a Boateng creation, bringing her signature “sabi girl” energy to the red carpet in a striking floor-length gown.
Coco Jones dressed in a cream suit jacket adorned with lace and pearls. She completed the look with a long braid and soft glam makeup, adding her own touch of elegance.
The theme for this year’s gala, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” and its sub-theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focused on celebrating Black contributions to fashion—something the three stars embraced.
Also at the gala was author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who served on the host committee.
Nigerian-American actress Ayo Edebiri also graced the red carpet, joining other big names including Rihanna—who confirmed her third pregnancy in a Marc Jacobs suit dress—Zendaya in a white Burberry ensemble, and Diana Ross, who stunned in a silver cape embroidered with the names of her descendants.
This year’s Met Gala also marked the return of a formal host committee for the first time since 2019, featuring stars like Simone Biles, Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Usher and Tyla, in a celebration of Black creativity and style.
