WAFFLES N CREAM: PIONEERING NIGERIA’S SKATE CULTURE THROUGH INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY

Waffles N Cream (waf.) is a pioneering skateboard clothing brand  apparel, reflecting a deep commitment to cultural heritage. When they brought their vision home to Lagos in 2015, Waffles N Cream became the first skate crew in Nigeria. Beyond fashion, WAF. encompasses a collective of skateboarders, graffiti artists, BMX riders, photographers, and graphic designers, all united with the goal of unifying and expanding the culture.and shop based in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 2012 in Leeds,by Jomi Marcus-Bello, along with his brother Nifemi and friend KC Obijiakwu, waf. has been instrumental in cultivating and energizing the local skateboarding scene for over a decade. The brand seamlessly integrates Nigerian historical elements into its media content and

Since its inception, WAF. has been dedicated to breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. The collective’s unpretentious and passionate approach has fostered a family-like community that thrives on creativity and inclusivity. By incorporating Nigerian historical components into their designs and media, waf. not only celebrates local culture but also educates and inspires the broader community.

Slawn, Soldier Boyfriend and Onyedi, owner of Motherlan, were all part of the early skating crew before moving to London. 

L-R; Slawn, Onyedi, Soldier Boyfriend

An excerpt from Crocodile Smile 

Two years ago, an initiative called Crocodile Smile was launched as a ten-day celebration honoring Go Skate Day, a global event that promotes skateboarding culture. What started as a temporary gathering of skaters and creatives quickly evolved into a grassroots movement, culminating in the creation of a DIY skate spot at Tarkwa Bay, Lagos. Spearheaded by local and international skating communities, the project provided a much-needed space for skaters in the region, fostering a new generation of talent in Nigeria’s growing skateboarding scene. WAF. made this possible.

Waf. Skatepark 

In March 2024, WAF. achieved a significant milestone with the completion and launch of Nigeria’s first concrete skatepark, located within the historic Freedom Park in Lagos Island. This state-of-the-art facility offers a dedicated, family-friendly space for skaters of all levels, aiming to support youth development and provide after-school programs, group and individual classes, and girls-only skating sessions. The skatepark stands as a testament to waf.’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the skateboarding community and advancing the sport within the region. 

Continuing its tradition of meaningful collaborations, waf. partnered with ALÁRA Lagos in February 2023 to release the “African Love” capsule collection. This annual initiative celebrates love and African heritage, featuring reimagined fabrics and a captivating documentary that delves into the joy and unity of African love stories. The collection and accompanying events highlighted the brand’s dedication to cultural storytelling and community engagement. 

In June 2024, WAF. hosted the 8th annual Go Skate Day at the newly constructed skatepark. The event included a pre-event yoga session emphasizing physical and mental well-being, followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent figures from the skateboarding communities of Ghana, Nigeria, and Botswana. The discussions underscored the significance of community skateboarding and the positive impact of the sport on youth.

Waf. X Unknwn 

Streetwear brand WAF. continues to push creative boundaries with a series of dynamic collaborations and capsule collections, blending contemporary African fashion with global influences. One of their standout releases is the waf./Unknwn Projects August Break Capsule, a collection that showcases intricate patchwork designs and a fusion of denim, beige, and olive-green fabrics. The capsule featured a kimono-inspired open-front jacket and matching multi-pocket shorts, highlighting a commitment to craftsmanship and innovative silhouettes. The campaign, shot against a backdrop of raw brick walls and garment-making templates, reinforces WAF.’s artisanal approach. This collection captured a distinct aesthetic that balances streetwear with refined tailoring.

Pith Africa x Waf.

Adding to their expanding catalog, WAF. also teamed up with Pith Africa for a collaborative drop, featuring oversized denim sets with embroidered typography and floral accents. Launched on July 26, 2023, and shot in Lagos, the collection draws inspiration from vintage workwear and African street culture. In another major move, WAF. partnered with Coca-Cola for the waf. + Coke 2024 collection, featuring bold hockey jerseys with collegiate-style graphics and heritage branding. 

Waf. X Coke

WAFF BABES Capsule

Also in 2019,WAF.,  released a new capsule collection. Dubbed waf. Babes, the collection was the perfect summary to wrap up their women’s month celebration, and it’s clear that the brand had poured their heart and soul into the release. The WAF. Babes collection is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusivity in all areas of life, including sports and fashion

Waf. X Oscar Deen

WAF. teamed up with UK-based eyewear brand Oscar Deen in 2022, to release a new line of sunglasses, the Waf. OD Glasses. The collaboration, announced via WAF’s Instagram, blended Oscar Deen’s signature craftsmanship with WAF’s street-savvy aesthetic. The campaign highlights the sunglasses’ bold frames and dark lenses, emphasizing their ability to protect wearers from the sun while maintaining an effortlessly cool look. 

WAF. also joined forces with StreetSouk to celebrate the annual streetwear convention’s fifth anniversary. The collaboration included limited-edition tees and bucket hats featuring bold neon-green graphics, capturing the energy of Nigeria’s vibrant streetwear scene. StreetSouk, a leading event in the country’s fashion culture, has been instrumental in elevating homegrown brands, and this partnership underscores WAF’s deep connection to its roots. 

Waf. X Street Souk

Waffles N Cream also collaborated with legendary and notable Artists like Jazzman Charly boy, and poet, Jimi Solanke with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo seen wearing a shirt from WAF.

Waffles N Cream’s journey from a small collective to a cultural powerhouse exemplifies the transformative power of passion and community. By continuously pushing the boundaries of fashion, sport, and cultural expression, WAF. remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s burgeoning skate scene, inspiring a new generation of creatives and athletes.