In the vast digital archive of social media, where the present often drowns out the past, one Ghanaian creator is working to ensure vintage aesthetics are not forgotten.

Asaba, a history enthusiast, occasional 3D artist, and feminist, is dedicated to curating and celebrating the rich visual history of her heritage.

Recently, she sat down with Michelle, host of the Asase Ba podcast, for an in-depth conversation that explores the compelling narratives woven into Ghanaian fashion and hair.

For Michelle, whose podcast is dedicated to honoring oral tradition and shining a light on often-untold Ghanaian stories, the topic is deeply personal. She recalls her own early searches for cultural connection, a quest many in the diaspora will recognize.

“I remember from early on, searching that, you know, back in the Tumblr days, I used to search for like vintage Ghanaian aesthetics,” Michelle shared in the episode’s introduction.

This search led her to Asaba, whose work on platforms like Pinterest has become a valuable resource for those seeking a tangible link to the past.

Listen to the podcast below:

A Curator of Cultural Memory

Asaba, who describes herself as someone who enjoys learning about her Ga heritage and the many cultures of Ghana, brings a unique, multi-faceted lens to the subject. Her identity as a “history lover” and a “feminist” informs how she views and presents historical images. She spends her time not just observing history, but actively preserving and sharing it, curating collections that showcase the elegance, innovation, and diversity of Ghanaian style through the decades.

The conversation on Asase Ba delves into why this visual history is so significant. It moves beyond simple nostalgia, positioning fashion and hair as powerful markers of identity, social status, and cultural evolution. For Asaba, the images she curates are not just pretty pictures; they are primary sources that tell stories of resilience, creativity, and community.

More Than Just Style: A Feminist Lens on the Past

A key element of the discussion is the intersection of heritage and feminism. By examining historical photographs through a contemporary feminist perspective, Asaba highlights the roles, representations, and unspoken stories of Ghanaian women across generations. The conversation underscores how traditional styles, from intricate hairstyles to the drape of cloth, were often expressions of identity and autonomy.

This focus aligns perfectly with the Asase Ba podcast’s mission. By featuring voices like Asaba’s, Michelle provides a platform for nuanced discussions that might otherwise be overlooked. The episode serves as a modern extension of oral tradition, using the power of conversation to contextualize and breathe life into visual artifacts.

An Independent Labor of Love

The episode also offers a glimpse into the world of independent cultural production. Michelle, who serves as the sole producer, editor, and host of the podcast, is a one-woman team driven by passion. Her work highlights the demand for content that explores Ghanaian narratives with depth and care, narratives that are often “seldomly talked about” in mainstream media.

If you are eager to dive into the full conversation, you will find “History of Ghanaian Fashion and Hair ft. Asase Ba” on Spotify.

For those interested in exploring further, the podcast’s official website at asaseba.com offers transcripts and additional resources. Asaba’s curated visual collections can be found on her Pinterest and Twitter, where she continues to share her discoveries.

A Ghanaian creative team led by Juliana Gharbin has etched their name in history by achieving the Guinness World Records title for the largest bead sculpture.

The team created a stunning beaded bag measuring 2.69 m x 2.05 m x 1.47 m (8 ft 10 in x 6 ft 9 in x 4 ft 10 in).

The record-breaking piece, crafted entirely by hand over 10 intense days in Prampram, Ghana, was completed on March 13, 2025, at Ocean Green Beach.

The sculpture proudly features Ghana’s national colors—red, gold, green, and black—and incorporates two meaningful Adinkra symbols representing versatility and loyalty, celebrating Ghanaian heritage and cultural pride.

Juliana Gharbin, founder and creative director of Jules Beads, spearheaded the project alongside a dedicated team of skilled crafters: Babra Ajok, Alhassan Fauzia, Tijani Addo, Bridget Esi Quansah, Appiah Lordia Konadu, Akosua Adutwumwaa Amoah, Setor Akua Modzro, and Kouassi Akoissi Sandrine Laetitia. The group worked collaboratively, investing long hours, patience, and teamwork to bring the vision to life.

Evidence submission was finalized by August 30, 2025, leading to official recognition from Guinness World Records on December 8, 2025. The team received their official certificate on January 15, 2026, confirming their place in global record history.

At a press conference on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to unveil the masterpiece, Ms. Gharbin shared her journey and future vision. She revealed that the attempt was largely self-funded, supported by personal resources, family, and a few close associates, with limited brand backing.

“This experience reinforced my belief that Ghanaian craft has global value but requires structure, focus, and sustained support to thrive,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ms. Gharbin announced plans to take bead art into classrooms, teaching schoolchildren the craft as a viable skill and livelihood. “Young people need early exposure, discipline, and motivation to succeed in creative fields,” she explained. The sculpture is positioned not just as a record but as an educational tool and inspiration for youth, proving that local craftsmanship can compete internationally when nurtured.

This achievement highlights Ghana’s vibrant creative sector and positions beadmaking as a powerful form of cultural expression and economic opportunity.

Ghanaian fashion entrepreneur Kwaku Bediako has shared the behind-the-scenes story of how his vision to build a globally competitive African lifestyle brand evolved into a breakthrough partnership with American television icon Steve Harvey, helping propel African fashion onto the world stage.

In a recent interview featured on Earn Your Leisure Clips, Bediako recounted how his brand, Chocolate, grew from designing large-scale traditional African wedding attire into a globally recognised fashion label worn by some of the world’s most influential figures.

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A post shared by Chocolate by Kwaku Bediako (@chocolateclothesglobal)

From Community Weddings to Global Vision

Bediako explained that his early success was rooted in a deep understanding of African communal culture. Unlike Western weddings that typically feature a handful of groomsmen and bridesmaids, his designs embraced traditional African ceremonies where entire communities play a visible role.

He recalled creating outfits for wedding parties with as many as 175 groomsmen, some spread across Ghana and Europe, particularly Spain. According to Bediako, the idea was symbolic—showing that marriage in African culture is backed by community, responsibility and collective protection.

While the model worked locally, Bediako said he soon realised that achieving his broader goal of building “the biggest African lifestyle brand in the world” required connecting Africa to its global diaspora and forging partnerships across fashion, sports and entertainment.

The Steve Harvey Moment

That opportunity came when Steve Harvey visited Ghana. With the help of mutual contacts, Bediako took a bold risk: designing a suit for Harvey without ever taking his measurements in person. Instead, he studied Harvey’s public appearances and social media posts, eventually identifying a rare casual photo that gave him confidence to proceed.

Despite Harvey’s initial reluctance to wear ready-to-wear clothing, the suit reportedly fit perfectly. The moment proved pivotal. Harvey immediately ordered several more suits for himself and his family and publicly endorsed the brand.

Bediako recalled Harvey’s words: “Yesterday’s prize is not today’s prize,” a phrase that later became symbolic of their partnership. Harvey went on to feature Bediako’s designs on Family Feud Africa, Miss World, and other major platforms, significantly boosting the brand’s international profile.

Expanding Africa’s Fashion Influence

Following the Harvey endorsement, Bediako said his brand gained validation from global cultural leaders and institutions. This led to collaborations with figures such as Idris Elba, the NBA and NBA Africa, as well as involvement in major cultural initiatives linked to Africa’s diaspora engagement.

He credited preparation, community values and strategic networking for his success, noting that African fashion has the potential to compete globally when culture, craftsmanship and opportunity align.

Bediako’s journey highlights how African creativity—when paired with strategic global partnerships—can reshape perceptions and create powerful economic and cultural opportunities.