About Us

Originally named Africana Imports and founded in 1971 on historic Slauson Avenue, KUTULA by Africana has been a Los Angeles mainstay for over 50 years. Today, it stands as the oldest continuously operating African-inspired brick-and-mortar fashion retailer in the United States.

Homegrown in Los Angeles, with parental roots in both Nigeria and Zambia, sisters Bo and Kay are the second-generation owners of KUTULA since 2015, carrying forward the legacy of the brand’s original founder, their mother, Francesca. Together they have created a entrepreneurial legacy, becoming California's premiere and most recognized authentic, African-inspired fashion retailer.

Inspired to bring new vitality to the brand, Bo + Kay renamed the business KUTULA, meaning "to leap forward", while honoring its rich history. Today, they continue to blend African heritage with contemporary style, offering modern designs for men, women and children. 

KUTULA's legacy has reached near and far, with the brand creating and collaborating on costuming for iconic, record-breaking films including Marvel's BLACK PANTHER (2018), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), Captain America: Civil War (2016), The Color Purple (2023), and Coming 2 America (2021). 

KUTULA has also had the honor of providing bespoke designs over the course of several years for Beyoncé Knowles Carter, along with red carpet looks and on-camera designs for numerous celebrities, politicians, film and television productions, and award shows.  

KUTULA has been featured in People Magazine, In Style, Essence, and Vogue to name a few.

KUTULA’s flagship boutique remains rooted on historic Slauson Avenue in LA’s Windsor Hills neighborhood, continuing its role as a cultural anchor for African-inspired fashion, community connection, and Black creative expression in Los Angeles.