UNITED Kingdom-born, Ghanian-raised rapper Fuse ODG is expected to debut his fashion line NANA (New African Nation) at this year’s staging of Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) scheduled for Villa Ronai Fashion Village in Stony Hill, St Andrew.

The annual fashion festival is slated for June 7 to 11.

Kingsley Cooper, CEO of Pulse model agency and event conceptualiser, said this year will be a memorable one.

“CFW 2017 is billed as the Best Of CFW. That means that Pulse will be presenting the finest elements of the event, while celebrating the foundation partners and heralding the rising new stars,” Cooper told Jamaica Observer.

“Fuse ODG will be both performing and debuting his fashion line… We cannot wait to welcome Fuse ODG to CFW. Jamaica loves his music and beyond that, his message of self-love resonates with everything we stand for. It’s going to be an epic year,” Cooper continued.

Fuse ODG, a chart-topping artiste, said he will be bringing his “New Africa” message to Jamaica.

“It’s something that encapsulates what Africa is now. The stuff I saw on TV about Africa when I was growing up was so negative… but these kids have grown up now, and they’re showing the successful and positive side of Africa —it’s about being proud of where you’re from,” he said in a release.

In 2013 Fuse ODG secured a MOBO Award for Best African Act. The following year, his debut album T I N A (This Is New Africa) was certified silver. He had Top 5 UK chart hits including Million Pound Girl and Dangerous Love with Sean Paul. The 2016 dancehall-fuelled EDM track Light It Up with Major Lazer and Nyla was certified platinum in the UK and United States.

In addition to Fuse ODG, Cooper disclosed other personalities slated for the catwalk.

“Special initiatives with Pride magazine and Bang Radio in the UK will bring new designers and model stars to Jamaica for the event. Designers from the past such as Romanian couture designer Catalin Botezatu will return this year as will Meiling, young Vogue designer Tigerlily Hill and several others. Double Vogue cover girl and Pulse legend Lois Samuels will be showing a collection. Another Pulse Vogue covergirl and Nike star Jeneil Williams will debut her athleisure/swimwear line,” he said.

“Past model greats Angela Neil, Carla Campbell, Romae Gordon and Kimberley Mais Issa, will join the new stars such as Alicia Burke, Francine James, Alwin Danvers and Trinidadian international new face Shalisha Stewart on the runway,” he continued.

Hosted by Pulse since 2001, CFW has attracted over 150 designers and a host of celebrities and entertainers since its inception. International acts including Eve, Nia Long, Kelly Rowland, Brian McKnight, Joe, Johnny Gill, Maxi Priest, Billy Ocean, Estelle, Morris Day, and Sheila E, have performed at the event.