Ghanaian streetwear collective Free The Youth has officially teamed up with Nike’s Jordan Brand, marking a powerful moment for African fashion and sneaker culture. This partnership brings local Ghanaian creativity into the global sneaker spotlight, blending cultural storytelling with international style.
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A New Chapter for Ghanaian Streetwear
Founded in 2016 by Jonathan Coffie, Kelly Foli, Winfred Mensah, and Richard Kweku Ormano, Free The Youth began as a grassroots creative collective celebrating Ghanaian street style. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged fashion brand, creative agency, and cultural movement recognised worldwide.
Their journey reflects a broader shift in global fashion, where voices from Africa are shaping trends rather than just following them. The collaboration with Jordan Brand stands as a testament to this evolution and highlights the collective’s role in uplifting youth creativity and community expression.
Exclusive Air Jordan 1 Mid: Ghana Meets Global Sneaker Culture
To commemorate the partnership, Free The Youth and Jordan Brand created an exclusive Air Jordan 1 Mid Friends & Family edition. Limited to just 175 pairs, this release features vibrant colours inspired by Ghanaian aesthetics, including bold red, yellow, blue, and an orange midsole, with oversized FTY branding throughout the design.
This pair was distributed only to close collaborators, community members, and friends of the collective as part of the brand’s tenth anniversary celebration. It did not receive a public retail release, making it a rare and highly sought-after item among sneaker collectors.
Looking Ahead: Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16 in 2026
While the Air Jordan 1 Mid was ultra-limited and exclusive, the Free The Youth collaboration with Jordan Brand continues into retail territory with an upcoming Air Jordan 16 release. Scheduled for June 13, 2026, this silhouette marks the first official sneaker to hit the market under the Free The Youth x Jordan Brand banner.
Previewed designs showcase the AJ16 with bold accents and FTY’s distinctive aesthetic—melding classic Jordan heritage with fresh, contemporary creativity that reflects the collective’s Ghanaian roots.
Cultural Impact and Community Momentum
This Jordan collaboration goes beyond fashion. It symbolises the rise of African creative voices on the world stage and highlights how local brands can shape global culture. Free The Youth’s progression from social media style showcases in Accra to partnering with one of the most iconic sneaker brands on earth underscores that narrative.
The collaboration has even sparked community celebrations in Ghana, including events that brought together music, skate culture, and local art, further cementing the collective’s role as a cultural hub.
