Business News Editor
By Dave Munachi
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Mai Atafo arrives on the Showmax runway not just as a name, but as a brand — a magnetic blend of tailoring mastery, entrepreneurial grit, and star-studded charisma. Best known for redefining Nigerian suiting and bridal couture, Mai steps into the spotlight of Style Magnate as the show’s “Maestro,” bringing years of craftsmanship and business savvy to a new generation of designers. His presence promises mentorship that’s equal parts creative compass and real-world roadmap — exactly what emerging talent needs to turn a portfolio piece into a profitable label.
Style Magnate sets the stage for high-stakes creativity: 20 rising designers will compete for the chance to launch their vision to a wider market, with mentorship from industry heavyweights and rigorous challenges that test concept, construction, and commercial sense. With Yolanda Okereke acting as Fashion Principal and Joseph Benjamin co-hosting alongside Mai, the series balances expert critique with entertainment, giving viewers both the drama of competition and a masterclass in fashion entrepreneurship. For contestants, it’s an intensive crash course in what it takes to move from atelier to industry relevance.
Mai’s role is especially compelling because he brings more than aesthetic judgment — he brings strategy. As an entrepreneur who has scaled a couture label into a lifestyle business, he understands pattern drafting and profit margins with equal fluency. Expect guidance that pushes contestants to think beyond a single beautiful garment: brand identity, client experience, pricing, and scalability will be part of the conversation. That perspective shifts the show from a simple design contest to a platform for building sustainable fashion businesses in Africa’s booming creative economy.
For viewers, Style Magnate offers irresistible elements: runway spectacle, behind-the-scenes intensity, and candid mentorship from one of Africa’s most respected tailors. For the fashion community, it’s a moment to celebrate emerging voices and to see how traditional craftsmanship can be married with modern retail thinking. Whether you’re a style obsessive, an aspiring designer, or someone who loves a great reality-competition arc, watching Mai Atafo guide the next wave of designers will be as enlightening as it is entertaining. Tune in, and watch how dreams get their designer labels.
