What Black Fantasy: A Cultural Movement

Presently what we get to see as a trend now is that culture is getting commodified before it’s been celebrated, WBF (What Black Fantasy) is shaping culture in its own terms, in its own colors, and more importantly on a global stage.

What started as an idea born while in the university in Dubai has now bloomed into a cultural movement spanning Lagos, Dubai, London, and beyond. In this conversation, we sit with the visionary founder of WBF (Tayo Okoya) to talk about identity, global connection, streetwear, and what it means to build a brand that has more to it than just fashion.

You’ve taken WBF on tour,from Lagos to Dubai and now London. What inspired this global rollout, and why now?

WBF has always been about more than just clothing. We’re trying to build a movement, something that reflects Black expression in every form, across borders. We started in Lagos, but the message was always bigger than just one place.

This tour was our way of showing that our culture, our voice, our style, and our energy belongs anywhere. Lagos, Dubai, London… These are just the first stops. With time WBF will become a language spoken worldwide.

What does going global mean to you personally, beyond business?

To me, it’s a form of reclamation. So many global trends come from Black creativity, from our stories, our music, and our pain, but we’re not always in control of how those things are packaged or perceived.

With WBF, we’re saying: we see ourselves. And we’re not waiting for validation. We’re taking our stories into our own hands and putting them on garments, campaigns, and experiences that speak directly to people, whether they’re in Harlem, Hackney, Lekki, Dubai or anywhere around the world.

Each city you’ve touched, from Lagos to Dubai has its own unique culture. How do you preserve WBF’s identity while adapting to different regions?

Great question. The key for us is authenticity and storytelling. Our designs are vibrant, layered, and deliberate. Every color, every graphic, and every collection is birthed in our values and perspective. We don’t try to blend in, we stand out, even while respecting the culture we’re stepping into.

In Dubai, for example, the wealthy aesthetic is strong; clean, bold, “Arab money” energy. We still came through as WBF, but with collections and visuals that nod to that culture while staying true to who we are. Our gradient-heavy palettes, cultural references, and storytelling pieces make sure WBF remains WBF, no matter the backdrop.

What does “Black Fantasy” really mean to you?

It means seeing the world through a Black person's eye, without any  limitations. It’s about being unafraid to imagine, to disrupt, to dream. A lot of us grew up in places where our dreams were made to feel too big. The Black Fantasy changes that. It tells every Black kid watching: your dreams are valid, your vision is enough.

Our goal is to help people see themselves as the main character, the superhero, the one who walks into the room and owns it. And our garments help tell that story.

Many of your designs are very intentional, some even political. Can you walk us through that?

Absolutely. One of our most talked-about tees was the Homecoming Tee, which featured a design inspired by Nigeria’s police vans,  a direct commentary on power, protest, and presence.

We don’t just design to look good, we design to start conversations. Every piece created is a statement. Whether it’s referencing Lagos traffic, homegrown slang, or national institutions, we try to infuse meaning into every fabric.

You don’t wear WBF just to look fresh, you wear it to say something.

You’ve been hosting pop-ups around the world. What have you learned from the people who show up?

The biggest thing? People get it. Like, deeply. We’ve met folks from all walks of life who relate to the mission and they reflect it right back to us. Whether it’s in Nigeria, the UK, or Dubai, people tell us they feel seen in our pieces.

And that’s the biggest win for me. 

The streetwear scene in Nigeria is exploding. What makes WBF stand out?

Simple: intention. A lot of brands are popping up for money or clout. We’ve been doing this since long before it was cool, and we do it because we love it.

Every WBF piece is birthed  in storytelling. From the cut to the concept, it’s a reflection of how I see the world. We’re building something that people will look back on in 20 years and say, “That brand shifted culture.”

What’s your personal process when creating a new design?

It always starts with a feeling. I ask myself: Would I wear this? And not just wear it, would I own it?

I will try it on. I sit with it. If I can’t confidently step out and feel like myself in that design, it doesn’t go into production. I also listen to the community - they’re vocal, and their feedback helps sharpen the vision.

Ultimately, every piece has to feel like art, not just a product.

With everything you’ve achieved so far, has there been a moment that reminded you why you started?

Honestly, it’s ongoing. Even at our last pop-up in London, I looked around and thought, “This isn’t even 10% of what I want to create.” But I was grateful. People pulled up. They connected. They shared stories. That kind of love tells me we’re doing something right.

But I’m hungry. I’m still building. I have so much more to say and the best is yet to come.

When this tour ends, how do you want people to remember WBF?

I want them to remember that we did not just build a brand, but we built a feeling.

When people wore WBF, they felt seen. They felt powerful. They felt like their story mattered. Because it does.

Finally, what message would you leave for anyone who stumbles upon this feature?

Your dreams are valid. Full stop.

WBF is proof that you can take an idea, nurture it with faith and fire, and turn it into something global. Don’t wait for approval. Don’t chase trends. Just start and don’t stop. Because even the smallest steps matter.

And one more thing, always acknowledge God. That’s how I’ve gotten this far.