New York, NY — September 9, 2025 — NOSACONN (New Orleans South Africa Connection) proudly announces its collaboration at ORUN x Designers during New York Fashion Week, September 12–13, 2025. This groundbreaking event, taking place at The Lightbox in New York City, will unite fashion, art, and diplomacy to spotlight Africa’s creative power and expand cultural bridges across the diaspora.
Founded in 1998 by Damon J. Batiste, NOSACONN continues its mission of connecting New Orleans with South Africa and the wider diaspora through art, music, tourism, and now fashion. At ORUN x Designers, NOSACONN will introduce its new Fashion Division, marking a historic milestone while celebrating the birthday of legendary Louisiana Music Hall of Famer David Batiste of New Orleans’ Royal Family of Music.
Program Highlights: September 12–13, 2025
See the Promo VideoOpening Ceremony with Habyba Thiero, Founder & CEO of Orun Studios, and visionary designer Loza Maléombho.
Remarks by H.E. Amadou Touré, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to the U.S., announcing cultural partnerships.
Immersive Performance by international artist Xander Pratt, blending poetry, storytelling, and mapping.
Fireside Chat: “African Art as Driver of Economic Growth and Influence” featuring Charlotte Ashamu (Yale University) and Eliot Dupuis (Africa Courtside Holdings).
Keynote Address by Hon. Troy Carter, U.S. Representative, Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District.
Designers of Tomorrow Exhibition featuring Loza Maléombho, Romzy, Paulin Bédou, Xander Pratt, Delphine Diallo, Ibrahim Fernandez, and Jamal Chleuh.
Fashion Shows by Romzy and Jamal Chleuh (Rosyne Club), followed by avant-garde collections from Xander Pratt and Paulin Bédou inspired by African Kingdoms.
Fireside Chat: “Redesigning the Future with an African Lens” with Kenneth Ebie (Ebie Strategies) and Dominique Goss (M&T Foundation).
Launch of the New Orleans–South Africa Fashion Division by Damon J. Batiste, culminating in live performances in honor of Louisiana Music Hall of Famer David Batiste, Sr., founder of David and the Gladiators.
ORUN x Designers Full Program & Highlights: Link
Event Registration: https://luma.com/vw82320j
NOSACONN: A Cultural Bridge
“The world knows New Orleans for its music, but we also have a story to tell through design, heritage, and innovation. Fashion is another way we carry forward our legacy,” said Damon Batiste, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee and CEO of NOSACONN.
Since 1998, NOSACONN has pioneered cross-continental exchange, producing simultaneous events in New Orleans and South Africa while expanding programs into additional African nations. Its initiatives continue to drive economic sustainability through music, art, culture, tourism, trade, and education.
The Batistes: Expanding a Legacy
From Louisiana Music Hall of Famer David Batiste Sr. to Grammy-winner Jon Batiste, the Batiste family has shaped New Orleans’ sound for generations. With the expansion into fashion, Damon J. Batiste is carrying forward ingenuity and artistry by blending New Orleans rhythm with African aesthetics, offering a new cultural export to the global stage.About NOSACONN
The New Orleans South Africa Connection, Inc. (NOSACONN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of business, civic, community, and entertainment leaders across New Orleans and South Africa. Recognized globally in arts, culture, and education, NOSACONN serves as a pioneering incubator for cultural diplomacy, mon economic empowerment, and cross-diaspora exchange.📍 Connect with NOSACONN:
Instagram: @Nosaconn_International
Facebook: NOSACONN Cultural Exchange
X: @Nosaconn_INTL
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Note to editors: For on-site, ZOOM or Phone interviews with Damon Batiste, David Batiste and others contact: Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410.