About Us

Originally named ‘Africana Imports’ and founded in 1971, the retail brand KUTULA by Africana has been a permanent mainstay in the Los Angeles community for over 50 years.

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

Kay + Bo were inspired to infuse a new vitality into the brand by renaming the business KUTULA (which means ‘to leap forward’), taking over the reins of the business, and infusing contemporary styles and modern sensibilities for men, women and children. 

KUTULA's legacy continues to reach near and far, creating and collaborating on costuming for iconic, record-breaking films such as, Marvel's BLACK PANTHER (2018), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), Captain America: Civil War (2016), The Color Purple (2023), Coming 2 America (2021). 

KUTULA has also had the pleasure of providing bespoke designs for Beyoncé Knowles Carter as well as numerous red carpet looks and on-camera designs for numerous film, television and award shows and celebrities, politicians, and industry leaders. 

KUTULA has recently been featured in top-trending news features on NPR and their products have been featured in People Magazine, In Style, Essence, and Vogue to name a few.

KUTULA's flagship boutique is located on Slauson in LA's View Park-Windsor Hills and their retail store has served as the backdrop for several major motion pictures and television shows.