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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Nesrine Malik

Why wearing traditional dress will always be political

Composite of Michael B. Jordan, John Dramani Mahama and women in cultural dress.
Sartorial custom … the continent is home to a variety of unique styles steeped in unapologetic innovation. Illustration: Joe Plimmer/Guardian pictures/Getty/Alamy

Good afternoon to everyone, apart from the organisers of Afcon.

Several weeks ago, the Ghanaian president, John Dramani Mahama, wore the traditional fugu, a patterned smock, on a state visit to Zambia. He came in for mockery from Zambians (some of it lighthearted) on social media, with some calling it a “blouse”.

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