Air Afrique, the legendary pan-African airline, which was founded in 1961 at the height of post-independence optimism across West and Central Africa and jointly owned by newly sovereign nations, operated until 2002. The airline represented far more than air travel, it was a symbol of African self-determination, mobility, and unity at a time when movement was still largely controlled by European carriers. Headquartered in Abidjan, Air Afrique connected African capitals to one another and to global cities.
Though the airline ceased operations, its legacy was reborn as a Paris-based creative collective led by four members — Lamine Diaoune, Djiby Kebe, Jeremy Konko, and Ahmadou-Bamba — who transformed its history of connection, elegance, and diasporic movement into a platform for contemporary Afro-diasporic cultural expression. Through art, fashion, photography, and design, the Air Afrique collective reclaims the airline’s spirit, translating its story into modern creativity.
This legacy became tangible in the form of the Air Max RK61, Nike’s latest collaboration with Air Afrique.
The shoe debuted in Abidjan on September 27, 2025, the city that once hosted the airline’s headquarters, accompanied by a campaign featuring diaspora icons such as football legend Didier Drogba, renowned Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, sprinter Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith, and former employee of the original airline, Mme Daba Traoré.
Drawing inspiration from aviation history, aesthetics, and culture, the RK61 features intricate details that pay homage to its roots: a jet-engine-inspired Air Max unit, Morse code spelling “Air Afrique” on the outsole, a zipper pull with the airline’s original logo, and a jacquard sock liner reminiscent of vintage aircraft seats. It was globally released on October 9, landing in major cities like Paris, New York, and London, before making its way to Nigeria.
The shoe’s Nigerian debut took place at the Homecoming Concept Space on December 19, powered by Homecoming’s vision of connecting local creativity to global conversations. Hosting the RK61 launch here added to that narrative. Although Homecoming Concept Space, located at 7 Sapara Williams Cl, Victoria Island, Lagos, is newly opened as a physical venue, Homecoming™ has long acted as a bridge between Africa and the global creative world, fostering collaborations, cultural exchange, and representation. Anchoring the RK61 launch in Lagos continues that legacy, positioning Nigeria as a place where African creativity is acknowledged, celebrated, and projected globally.
The space also serves as a platform for local brands to thrive and gain international visibility. Through this launch and future initiatives, Homecoming™ continues to shine a spotlight on Nigeria as a dynamic hub of exceptional creative talent.
