Vuyo Oyiya: Wearing Her Crown with Pride

For centuries, hair and headwear have carried deep cultural meaning across Africa. Beyond their beauty, they have long served as markers of identity, community, and spirituality. From elaborate tribal styles to the afro, braids, and the headwrap, these adornments are more than fashion - they are symbols of pride, resilience, and storytelling. Today, they continue to evolve as powerful expressions of African identity and female empowerment.

It is within this rich tradition that artist and cultural figure Vuyo Oyiya has found her voice. Known for her striking headwraps, or “Doeks,” Vuyo embodies the idea of the crown - an emblem of strength, courage, and dedication to one’s people. When she first met Dirk Durnez, her presence was so captivating that he immediately described her as “living art.” Her Doek, bold and unapologetic, sparked an idea: what if this living art could become a lasting, physical work of sculpture?

This vision grew into a collaboration with Kunye Colab, a collective of emerging artists supported and guided by Dirk. Together, they transformed Vuyo’s Doek into monumental sculptures, a process that marked the beginning of a powerful creative journey. The very first Doek-sculpture, produced at Kunye Colab studios, was showcased at Art@Africa’s Cape Town gallery - and was almost immediately purchased by a European collector. It was a moment that confirmed the resonance of Vuyo’s message: the crown, as a symbol of identity and empowerment, speaks to people far beyond its cultural roots.

The collaboration soon grew into something even bigger. Kunye Colab undertook the creation of “Crown Chakra,” a three-metre-high public sculpture unveiled at the V&A Waterfront - Africa’s most visited tourist destination. Made from EcoStone, a sustainable composite material, the sculpture celebrates African identity and honours the voices of women like Vuyo, who carry forward traditions with pride while shaping new narratives. The unveiling campaign, rolled out during Women’s Month under the slogan “This is how I wear my crown,” reached more than 400,000 people, inspiring conversations around identity, empowerment, and cultural celebration.

For Vuyo, the Doek remains deeply personal. It is not simply an accessory, but a statement of who she is and where she comes from. It is a crown that elevates African traditions while encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty and the strength that lies within their heritage. Through sculpture, her vision has moved from the individual to the collective.

In celebrating Vuyo, we celebrate more than a single artist. We honour a movement of empowerment, a living legacy of African beauty, and a reminder that true crowns are not made of jewels, but of courage, dignity, and community.

✨ See it for yourself: Visit the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to experience Crown Chakra up close and explore the powerful stories behind Art@Africa and Kunye Colab.