Mode Men at 20:Abu Tafawa Balewa reflects on legacy, reinvention and building an enduring cultural publication.

From Lagos to London, Mode Men celebrates two decades of influence and cultural storytelling.

For two decades, Mode Men has remained a relevant force in an ever-evolving industry.

At a time when authentic African masculinity was rarely represented with nuance, the publication quietly stepped in, set a standard, and became a defining visual and editorial reference for what had long been misunderstood, underrepresented or mischaracterised.

Now, as the brand celebrates its 20-year milestone with events spanning Lagos, Abuja and London, we sit down with Abu Tafawa Balewa, Publisher of Mode Men Magazine, to discuss the philosophy behind its relevance, the secret to its longevity, and how the publication continues to balance legacy, culture and reinvention in a fast-paced digital world.

Also see pictures from the intimate London celebration, where members of the upper echelon of the UK-based Nigerian elite gathered at the prestigious Haymarket Hotel to commemorate the milestone occasion.

What core philosophy has kept Mode Men culturally relevant for 20 years?

Consistency of vision. From the beginning, we focused on subststor-telling stories of men who represent influence, discipline, and progress. While platforms have evolved, that editorial instinct has remained constant, allowing us to adapt without losing our identity.

How has Mode Men shaped or responded to African masculinity over time?

When MODEMEN launched, the dominant images of Nigerian men in global media were either invisible or reductive. We made a deliberate choice to present a different truth-men of substance, style, and vision.

Over two decades, I’ve watched that narrative shift, and I believe publications like ours played a quiet but meaningful role in that evolution. We didn’t simply reflect African masculinity; we helped define a version of it that is aspirational without being foreign, confident without being imitative.

That has always felt like the most important work we do.

How have you balanced print heritage with digital storytelling?

By treating digital as an extension, not a replacement. Print remains our foundation for depth and curation, while digital allows us to engage more frequently and reach a wider audience. The key has been maintaining the same editorial standard across both

What role should African publications play in global fashion narratives?

We should be defining, not following. African publications have a responsibility to project authentic stories, aesthetics, and perspectives. The global space is increasingly receptive, and this is the moment to lead-with confidence and originality.

As Mode Men marks 20 years, one thing has remained constant - the vision. Its editorial direction continues to serve as the anchor, even as the media landscape rapidly evolves and new platforms emerge.

While many publications have struggled to balance reinvention with identity, Mode Men has stayed true to its commitment to storytelling, representation and cultural documentation. And now, as the global industry begins paying closer attention to African narratives, the publication stands not as a follower of the conversation, but as one of the forces that helped shape it long before the world caught on.