By : Lloyd Mahachi
Nigerian-British designer Kelechi Ejikeme and Cameroonian-Nigerian designer Amechi Mandi are among the Africans making waves in the interior design world. Ejikeme, a former lawyer, left the corporate world to pursue her passion for design, while Mandi transitioned from fashion to interior design, seeking to revive indigenous African textiles.
Ejikeme’s rug collection, inspired by Nigeria’s diverse terrain, showcases her unique perspective. Made from eco-friendly jute, the rugs integrate natural elements, symbolizing the country’s rolling hills, winding rivers, and sprawling savannahs. Mandi’s work, on the other hand, draws from pre-colonial traditions, incorporating historical Asafo flags of Ghana and other cultural elements.
Both designers are driven by a desire to challenge the dominance of ankara wax prints, often associated with African design. Mandi notes that people often question his work’s African authenticity because it doesn’t feature these prints. Ejikeme adds that Africans are increasingly seeking unique, meaningful designs that reflect their heritage.
The interior design industry in Africa is still developing, but Ejikeme and Mandi are paving the way. Ejikeme is categorizing African design periods to better understand and preserve the continent’s design evolution. Mandi attributes his European clientele to Africans’ preference for foreign products.
Their work is not only aesthetically stunning but also tells a story. As Ejikeme says, “If you have a product that can be made beautiful, and exquisite, and sort of memorable, that tells some kind of story or has some kind of meaning, it will appeal to Africans and other people that are not African.”
The field of African interior design is gaining momentum, with designers like Ejikeme and Mandi leading the charge. As Africans gain disposable income, they’re investing in decorating their homes with unique, meaningful designs that reflect their heritage.
Ejikeme and Mandi’s success demonstrates the potential for African interior design to transcend borders and appeal to a global audience. Their commitment to preserving and promoting African design heritage is inspiring a new generation of designers.
With their innovative approach, Ejikeme and Mandi are redefining African interior design, moving beyond clichéd motifs and embracing the continent’s rich cultural diversity.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
