By Sainabou Sambou
The red carpet shimmered under the glow of ambition and artistry at the weekend fashion showcase, where Kinneh Mbenga, CEO and Creative Director of Aniq Limited, unveiled stunning designs and a bold vision for Gambian fashion. Mbenga’s journey from a high school hobbyist to a trailblazer uniting over 50 designers is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose.
“I always knew I’d become a fashion designer,” Mbenga, 25, said in an interview. Her certainty took root in high school, where classmates flocked to her for event outfits. “That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it was my path.”
After graduating in 2017, Mbenga briefly pursued a conventional route, studying at MDI and the University of The Gambia. Yet, her heart remained with fashion. “I wasn’t meant to be a lawyer or banker,” she said. “Fashion was my true calling.”
Her path, however, was fraught with challenges. Mbenga’s first attempt to launch Anique Limited in 2018 collapsed within a year due to inexperience. Two subsequent ventures also faltered. “Each failure taught me something,” she reflected. Mbenga vowed to prioritize the business over personal needs by her third attempt, marking a pivotal shift.
This resolve transformed Aniq Limited into more than a brand—it became a movement. Recognizing the Gambian fashion industry’s lack of exposure and internal rivalries, Mbenga envisioned a collective platform. “Why not bring every designer together under one event?” she thought. The result was a dazzling showcase that united over 50 designers, proving, in her words, that “Gambians can slay too.”
The event was a cultural triumph. Vibrant fabrics, bold prints, and elegant traditional wear filled the venue, where designers and models showcased handcrafted outfits. Guests arrived in stunning African attire, infusing the evening with a rich sense of cultural pride. “It was magical,” said attendee Ndey Isatou Khan, a young designer who crafted a client’s outfit in three days. “I’m thrilled to be part of this.”
Behind the glamour, Mbenga grappled with immense pressure. “I was tense, ensuring everything was perfect,” she admitted. The experience reinforced a key lesson: the value of expertise, which she plans to apply to future events.
Mbenga’s vision extends beyond the runway. Eighty percent of the showcase’s proceeds fund the newly established Aniq Trust, which supports orphanages and underserved communities. In January 2026, Mbenga will launch the Anique Fashion Academy, offering scholarships—including two she personally pledged—to nurture emerging talent.
The showcase resonated deeply with participants. Mass Mizzle, CEO of Badjie’s Designs and a featured designer, called it a long-overdue milestone. “We see these events in Nigeria and Senegal but not here,” he said. “Being part of this, especially as Kinneh’s brother, feels special.”
Khan echoed this sentiment, noting the platform’s rarity. “This event gave me a chance to show what I can do,” she said, gesturing to her client’s bespoke outfit. Her excitement reflects the broader impact of Mbenga’s work: empowering a new generation of creatives in a country where the arts often lack support.
Mbenga’s story is a testament to persistence. From sewing in her mother’s dining room to orchestrating a landmark event, she has woven a narrative of possibility. Her ambitious goal is to elevate Gambian fashion onto the global stage while fostering community and opportunity.
As Aniq Limited grows, so does its legacy. The Unique Fashion Academy and Trust signal a commitment to sustainable change, ensuring that Gambian creativity thrives. For Mbenga, the thread she’s stitching is more than fabric—it’s a tapestry of dreams, resilience, and unity.
In a nation where creative industries struggle for recognition, Kinneh Mbenga is not just designing clothes; she’s crafting a future. As she prepares for her next showcase, the world is watching, ready to see how this young visionary will continue to redefine Gambian fashion.
