Music, fashion, and culture converged at The Hurlingham Club on Tuesday night as GRM Daily staged its 2025 Gala, and two Nigerians were front and center of the spectacle: rap star Ms. Banks and Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi.
Ms. Banks delivered a Naija-glam moment on the red carpet, shimmering in a sculpted, crystal-studded Elidys Couture look that framed her silhouette with couture precision. The Nigerian-Ugandan rhymer—fresh from a busy release run and podcast rounds—posed with signature confidence, underscoring how her cross-continental sound and style continue to carry Nigerian creativity into the UK mainstream.
Ms. Banks at the GRM Gala red carpet
Ms. Banks at the GRM Gala red carpet
Ms. Banks at the GRM Gala red carpet
Ms. Banks at the GRM Gala red carpet
Ms. Banks at the GRM Gala red carpet
Iwobi, whose schedule usually revolves around the pitch, swapped boots for Black-tie and joined a guest list that included Blade Brown and Dean Forbes. Away from the cameras, he’s been candid about getting smarter with money—leaning on his parents’ counsel and prioritizing property—while eyeing a statement season as he approaches 30. He’s also dabbled in music, appearing with Ramz on the single “Hop Out,” adding another thread to his cultural pull.
The Gala itself was a high-gloss carousel of looks from British houses and global labels, with Hennessy, Moët & Chandon, Rock Angel, Volcán, and Belvedere layering the night with curated cocktails and champagne service. Since debuting in 2020, the GRM Gala has grown into a marquee celebration of Black British excellence—previously touching venues like the V&A, Kensington Palace, and Sky Garden—mirroring GRM Daily’s rise as the country’s most-viewed music platform.
From Ms Banks’ runway-ready sparkle to Iwobi’s cool star power, the duo’s presence was a reminder of how Nigerians continue to shape scenes far from home—owning rooms, raising standards, and exporting that unmistakable Naija energy to the world.
