Ciara Shines in Tubo Bereni’s Ijaw-Inspired Masterpiece, Celebrating African Heritage on Global Stage
By Passman Akpos
American music superstar Ciara has ignited a wave of excitement across social media after stepping out in a stunning couture outfit inspired by the Ijaw Iria ceremony—a traditional rite of passage celebrating a young woman’s transition into womanhood.
The breathtaking piece was designed by Tubo Bereni, an Abuloma-Ijaw born international fashion designer from Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Tubo, known for her fusion of African cultural aesthetics with contemporary couture, revealed that the design was a tribute to the enduring elegance and symbolism of the Iria festival.
> “The piece reinterprets the essence of the Iria tradition, where young women are adorned with oil and celebrated for their strength, grace, and maturity,” Tubo explained. “It represents a woman becoming — beauty, evolution, and pride in African heritage.”
Sharing details about the collaboration, Tubo said the moment was both emotional and groundbreaking for her as an African designer.
> “This was the one where Ciara called, and we made her a global Iria maiden,” she said proudly. “From the creeks of the Niger Delta to global stages, culture can be couture and heritage can be haute.”
The outfit, which featured intricate beadwork, coral accents, and fluid fabric symbolizing the movement of water — an homage to the Ijaw people’s coastal roots — has drawn widespread acclaim from fans and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.
Fashion critics have hailed the collaboration as a milestone for cultural representation, praising Tubo for “transforming ancient heritage into modern elegance.” Many social media users have also commended Ciara for embracing and celebrating African culture with authenticity and reverence.
The powerful cultural statement reinforces the growing global influence of African designers and traditions in the fashion world, with Tubo Bereni’s creation standing as a vibrant reminder that Niger Delta heritage can indeed shine on the world’s most glamorous stages.
