Olubadan’s Daughter, Grace Ladoja Makes History as The First African Woman to Design a Nike Signature Shoe

Grace Ladoja is a British-Nigerian talent manager, cultural entrepreneur, and the founder of the Homecoming Festival.

Widely recognized as a major bridge builder between the UK and African creative industries, she made history as the first African woman to design a signature shoe for Nike.

Her professional journey spans music management, global branding, and deep investments in African youth culture.

She collaborated with Nike to launch the Homecoming x Nike Air Max Plus (TN). The sneakers came in “Pan-African” and “African Sunrise” colorways, incorporating Nigerian motifs like cowrie shells and Adire patterns.

Released in April 2026, the collaboration reworks the iconic Nike Air Max Plus (popularly known as the TN or “Cobra”) in partnership with her Lagos-based cultural festival, Homecoming.

The sneaker bridge-builds between London street culture and Nigerian heritage through two distinct colorways: It features a black base accented with bold red and green tones inspired by the Pan-African flag.

Draped in a vibrant safety orange hue that mirrors West African mornings.

The upper material replaces standard Nike mesh with a unique textured fabric inspired by the traditional African sponge (locally used for bathing).

Every pair comes with six interchangeable lace charms. These include cultural symbols like the Nigerian Eagle and cowrie shells.

It features a customized dip-dye finish designed to withstand the heavy downpours of the Lagos rainy season.

She founded Homecoming Festival in 2018, this multi-day Lagos festival celebrates African music, fashion, sport, and art.

She famously served as the longtime manager of UK grime pioneer Skepta, orchestrating his international career expansion.