The Glee Fashion Show has become one of Ondo State’s most talked-about fashion and creative showcases, blending art, culture, and style in a way that resonates deeply with Nigeria’s growing creative scene. Behind this movement is Olanrewaju Olabode, popularly known as Bidex Glee, the CEO of Glee Brand and Creative Director of Glee Fashion Show & Awards.
In this engaging conversation, I had chat session with Bidex to talk about the inspiration behind Glee, the journey so far, the challenges of organizing a fashion event in Ondo state and Nigeria at large, and what to expect from this year’s Afrocentric-themed edition.
Join us as we dive into the mind of one of Ondo State’s most innovative fashion curators and what we should expect at this year's 2025 Glee Fashion and award show .
I'm Fikayo Ajayi and I welcome you to The Showbiz Industry Interview Session
For our audience who are meeting you for the first time,
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to start the Glee Fashion Show?
Thank you. I’m Olanrewaju Olabode, but most people know me as Bidex Glee.
I’m the CEO of Glee Brand and creative director of the Glee Fashion Show & Awards a platform created to celebrate fashion, creativity, style, and innovation within Africa’s fashion and entertainment space.
What inspired me to start the Glee Fashion Show was the need to create a stage for young designers, models, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and gain the recognition they deserve. I realized that there were so many gifted individuals around us whose works were not getting enough visibility most especially in ondo state. Glee Fashion Show was born out of passion to bridge that gap, promote local creativity, and empower the next generation of fashion and lifestyle leaders.”
Sure. Alright, that’s commendable and its been a long time coming right?!
How many years now?
This is the fifth edition, which means it’s been about four solid years of growth, learning, and consistency. From the very beginning, it has always been Glee Fashion Show & Awards not just a runway show but a full celebration of creativity and excellence.
And also the award part was added later, or it has always been Glee Fashion Show and Awards right from the maiden edition?
The award segment was part of the vision from day one, because I’ve always believed that recognizing and celebrating people’s efforts is what keeps the creative industry alive. The show gives them visibility, but the award gives them motivation and that balance has been the heartbeat of Glee from the start.
And what was your vision when you first started that year?
When I first started, my vision was simple but powerful, I wanted to create a platform that gives people a chance to be seen.
I wanted young designers, models, and creatives especially those coming from smaller cities like Akure to know that they don’t have to move to Lagos or abroad before their talent can shine. I dreamed of building something, an household name that would put Ondo State on the fashion map and prove that greatness can come from anywhere.
Beyond the glitz and runway lights, my goal was to inspire confidence, open doors, and connect creative minds. I wanted Glee to become a space where passion meets purpose and every year, seeing that vision come alive through new faces and bigger dreams reminds me why I started in the first place.
Okay. That's a great vision and with 4 years of execution, I believe your dreams have been actualize to some certain levels
Thank you so much and yes, I’d say the dream is gradually taking shape.
So you name this year's edition "Afrocentric Fashion". Can you share with us the inspiration behind that?
For this year’s edition, “Afrocentric Fashion” came from a place of pride and identity. Over the years, I’ve watched how African fashion has evolved how our prints, our fabrics, our culture, and even our everyday lifestyle have started influencing global trends. And I just felt it was time we celebrated that properly.
The theme “Afrocentric Fashion” is a reminder that our roots are rich enough to inspire the world. It’s about embracing who we are, telling our stories through fashion, and showing that being African is not just about tradition, it’s creativity, confidence, and class.
So this year, we’re putting Africa at the center of the runway, bold, beautiful, and unapologetically authentic.
How would you define Afrocentric Fashion in your own short words, and what do you want the audience to take away from it?
Afrocentric Fashion, to me, means telling the African story through style. It’s our culture, colors, and confidence woven into fashion.
I want the audience to feel proud of our heritage to see that African fashion isn’t just tradition, it’s global, it’s powerful, and it’s us.
Soft. What makes this year’s edition stand out from previous ones?
This year’s edition stands out because we’re going bigger, bolder, and deeper in creativity.
The designers have really outdone themselves, they’re not just showcasing clothes, they’re telling stories through their pieces. The production, the concept, even the side attractions are on another level, oh my God, you do t wanna miss out on this
And with the Afrocentric theme, everything feels more connected, it’s not just fashion, it’s culture meeting innovation. This year, Glee isn’t just a show… it’s an experience, It’s a movement
Okay. Lets talk about the designers. How many are you partnering with for this edition and can you talk about them briefly
Can I mention their names?
Yes, go for it
We’re partnering with 12 amazing designers this year, and honestly, each one brings something unique to the table.
We have House of DBS, Amirex fashion academy, All by Dammy, Duke’s Regalia, OYFA Fashion Emporium, Honey crown collection, Woodswears, Ovicks collection, Qb Fits and Trads, Sharpé clothings, Glamour and Bloom, Judycent Empire
They’re a mix of creative minds, from bold streetwear designers to elegant couture creators, all deeply rooted in African expression. What I love most is how they interpret the Afrocentric theme in their own way, some through fabric choice, some through patterns, and others through storytelling.
Every designer this year represents a different voice of African fashion, and together, they’re creating something truly powerful on that runway.
These designers should be ready to pay for this ads they are getting.....(smiles
The show combines fashion, art, entertainment, and culture, how do you manage to blend all these elements. From where we come from and from the events we've been involved in or experienced; we know it has always been a thing but Fashion Show is a different type of event. Tell us how you make Glee Fashion Show and awards different while combining all these elements I mentioned
Hmmmm, That’s a beautiful question.
Honestly, the secret is intentionality, everything we put into Glee Fashion Show is carefully thought out to connect, not just to impress.
I see fashion as more than clothes, it’s art, it’s music, it’s culture, it’s emotion. So when we plan the show, we treat it like storytelling. The stage design, the performances, the models, the music, they all play a role in that story.
We make it different by giving every part of the show its own voice, yet making sure everything flows together. You could be watching a model walk, and the background music, lighting, and visuals will all tie into the mood of that outfit.
That’s what makes Glee Fashion Show special, it’s not just a runway, it’s a full cultural experience that connects people to fashion on a deeper level.
Nicely answered
Lets move to the Award section. The Glee Fashion Show celebrates creatives. How do you select those who get recognized or awarded?
Yes, Glee Fashion Show has always been about celebrating real creatives, people who are putting in the work, growing their craft, and making impact, whether or not they’re in the spotlight.
When it comes to selecting awardees, we look beyond popularity. We focus on consistency, creativity, and influence, those silent achievers who inspire others through what they do.
And one thing that makes it even more special is that most times, the awardees don’t even know they’re getting it. It’s our own little way of saying “we see you, we appreciate you.” That surprise moment on stage, the genuine joy and shock, that’s one of my favorite parts of the entire show.
What kind of impact are you hoping this event will have on young designers and creatives in Ondo State and Nigeria at large?
I want this event to light a fire in young designers and creatives to make them believe that their dreams are valid, no matter where they’re starting from.
I want them to see Glee Fashion Show and realize that you don’t need to wait for a big break to create something meaningful. Start where you are, stay consistent, and your work will speak for you.
If this event can inspire even one young creative to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing in their craft, then I’ll say we’ve made an impact.
Yes. So far, the four years mark, have there been any success stories or individuals who have grown significantly through the Glee platform?
Yes, definitely, and that’s one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey and one of the reasons that keeps us going.
Over the years, we’ve partnered with designers, models, and even vendors who started small with Glee go on to do amazing things. Some have gone on to showcase their collections at bigger fashion events, some have built stronger brands, and many have gained new clients and collaborations just from being part of the show, home and abroad.
For me, those stories are the real reward. Seeing people grow, gain confidence, and get recognized beyond the Glee stage, that’s the kind of success that keeps me going.
What’s the most challenging part of organizing a show like this based on your experience though?
Honestly, it hasn’t been easy, the most challenging part is bringing everything together, managing people, ideas, expectations, and still keeping the vision intact.
A show like this involves a lot, designers, models, vendors, logistics, media, stage setup and everyone has to align for it to come out beautifully. Another challenge is getting sponsors and partners who can understand, align and support your dream to invest in the project, Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that’s where patience, teamwork, faith and most importantly Prayer comes in.
It’s never easy, but every challenge has taught me something new. At the end of the day, when the lights come on and the show starts, all the stress feels worth it.
Beautifully answered. I know you must have experienced setbacks during some of your events in the past, how do you handle setbacks or expected surprises during event planning, that's before the event and during event?
Yes, setbacks are part of the journey, no matter how perfectly you plan, something unexpected will always show up, especially in event production.
For me, I’ve learned to handle them with calm and flexibility. Before the event, I try to prepare for possible issues, I do what we call damage control, have plan B, double-check logistics, and make sure the team knows their roles clearly.
During the event, it’s about staying composed. You can’t panic, because your energy affects everyone else. I focus on finding quick solutions instead of dwelling on what went wrong. And honestly, prayer helps too, sometimes you just breathe, smile, and keep it moving.
Every setback teaches me something, and that’s how Glee keeps getting better each year, we are not where we want but we thank God for where he has taken us to.
Alright. What do you envision for the future of Glee Fashion Show? I see Glee Fashion Show growing into one of Africa’s biggest creative platforms, not just a show, but a full movement that empowers and connects people across fashion, art, and entertainment.
In the future, I want to see Glee expand beyond Akure, touring different cities, partnering with international brands, and giving more young creatives a global stage.
I also envision it evolving into a creative hub where fashion meets innovation, a space that trains, supports, and launches new talents.
The goal is simple: to make Glee a name that represents excellence, creativity, and African pride anywhere it’s mentioned.
Any plans to take it beyond Ondo State?
Yes, definitely. That’s one of the big goals. We’ve built a strong foundation here in, Akure Ondo State, and the next step is to take Glee to other cities to share the experience, connect more creatives, and showcase African fashion on a larger scale.
So yes, expansion is definitely part of the vision.
How can brands or individuals partner with Glee Fashion Show in the future?
Partnership with Glee is open to any brand or individual who believes in creativity, youth empowerment, and African excellence.
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They can come in as sponsors, collaborators, vendors, or volunteers depending on what aligns with their goals. We’re always open to ideas that add value and help us grow the vision.
All they need to do is reach out, and we’ll find the best way to work together. Glee is all about community and there’s always room for more people who share that passion.
Where can they reach out to Glee Fashion Brand?
They can reach out to us directly through our social media pages @gleefashionshow on Instagram, Facebook, twitter and TikTok.
We also respond to partnership or collaboration emails via gleebrandagencies@gmail.com.
And of course, anyone can visit or contact our team through Glee Brand office in Akure, that’s our creative space and coordination hub for everything Glee-related or on our phone number 08136513650 or 09137949469
Okay Okay. One Important Question before we move close to rounding up
What role do you think fashion plays in shaping us culture wise as Nigerians?
Fashion plays a huge role in shaping our culture as Nigerians.
It’s one of the strongest ways we express who we are our roots, our pride, and our diversity. Every outfit tells a story, whether it’s through our fabrics, colors, or how we style them.
Fashion has a way of connecting generations, it keeps our traditions alive while allowing us to evolve and stay modern. It’s more than just dressing up; it’s identity, it’s confidence, it’s culture in motion.
Do you think you are the best creator in the fashion and entertainment space in Ondo State?
I wouldn’t call myself the “best” because I believe creativity isn’t a competition, it’s a calling.
What I can say is that I’ve stayed true to my vision and I’ve worked hard to build something consistent and impactful. There are so many talented people in Ondo State doing amazing things, and I respect them deeply.
For me, it’s not about being the best; it’s about making a difference and leaving a mark that inspires others. If I can do that, then I’m fulfilled.
What advice would you give to young creatives and event organizer who want to make an impact in fashion or entertainment?
My advice would be simple, start with what you have, and stay consistent.
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. The journey will teach you what you need to know. Be passionate, stay focused, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
Also, understand that results don’t come overnight. Keep showing up, keep improving, and let your work speak for you. If you stay true to your purpose, your time will come, just like mine did, one step at a time.
Lastly, what should attendees expect on October 19th. Any surprises in store?
You know with Glee, there’s always a surprise.
October 19th is going to be unforgettable. Attendees should expect top-tier fashion, powerful performances, stunning creativity, and moments that will leave everyone talking.
We’ve got new concepts, special guest appearances, and a few surprises I can’t even hint at yet. Just come ready to experience something different, because this year, we’re not just hosting a show, we’re creating a memory.
Alright. That will be all for now. If there's any follow up question, we will contact you
Thank You for your time Bidex of Glee
Alright. Thank you, It’s been a great pleasure
Talking with Bidex Glee really opened our eyes to how much passion and hard work goes into building something great from scratch. The Glee Fashion Show & Awards isn’t just about fancy clothes or bright lights, it’s about giving young people a chance to shine, especially those who believe their talent can only be seen in big cities.
From what Bidex shared, it’s clear that Glee has become a home for creativity, confidence, and culture. And with this year’s Afrocentric Fashion theme, the stage is set to celebrate Africa in all its boldness and beauty.
Come October 19th, Akure will be lit with style, talent, and unforgettable moments. One thing is certain, Bidex and his team are not just organizing a fashion show; they’re inspiring a new wave of creatives across Nigeria.
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