Nicola Paparusso

Nicola Paparusso
SMOM OMRI
Portrait Photo of Nicola Paparusso
Born
Nicola Paparusso

(1963-11-07) 7 November 1963
Lecce, Italy
NationalityItalian
Alma materUniversity of Naples Federico II
Occupations
Years active1997–present
Known forAfrican Fashion Gate
Spouse
Marietou Dione
​
(m. 2018)​
Children
  • Axel Paparusso (Son)
  • Giulia Paparusso (Daughter)
Websitenicolapaparusso.it

Nicola Paparusso SMOM OMRI (born 7 November 1963 in Lecce, Italy) is an Italian cultural entrepreneur, talent manager, media producer, writer, and activist. He is widely known as the manager of Khaby Lame,[1] and founder of African Fashion Gate (AFG), a non-profit organization advocating for the inclusion of African and Afro-descendant voices within the global fashion industry.[2]

Early life

Nicola Paparusso was born on 7 November 1963 in Lecce.[3]

He studied at the University of Naples Federico II, where he earned degrees in political science and administration.[3]

Career

Political and advisory work

In 2006, during the 15th Legislature of the Italian Senate, Paparusso served as a legislative adviser to the President of the Defense Committee, Sergio De Gregorio.[4][5] He later worked with the Italian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.[6]

Media production and communication

In 2024, Paparusso founded Paparusso Communication, a media and marketing company involved in the production of television and film content. Among his credited works is "Gran Galà del Made in Italy" (English: Grand Gala of Made in Italy), co-written and produced by Paparusso, and directed by Giancarlo Nicotra.[7][6] The program was co-produced with Rai 1 and broadcast internationally through Rai Italia.[7] It also received the Medal of Representation from the 11th President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano.[7]

In the music sector, he has been involved in the production of music videos, notably those featuring international artists such as Pitbull, Osmani Garcia, Stevie Wonder, and Mao Otayeck. Some of the music videos include “La Voz (GOL)” (by Osmani Garcia, featuring Pitbull),[8] and "Carry On" and "Wait" (by Mao Otayeck and Stevie Wonder). He also wrote and directed the short films “La Dieta Mediterranea” (commissioned by the Agriculture Ministry),[6] “Racism is not in style”, and “Nessuno Escluso”, distributed by Rai Cinema.[6]

Writing, publishing, and academic roles

Paparusso serves as editor of Voci in Passerella, an online publication registered in Verona. Paparusso has written several books, including the novels "L’infiltrato"[6] and "Caffè Corretto",[6] the latter of which received the Approdi d’Autore literary award.[6] His essay "Angeli Assassini" explores sociological themes and was presented at various Italian literary events.[6] In addition to his work in media and management, Paparusso has taught courses on fashion sociology. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Seville,[6][4] and a Member of the Scientific Council of the Master in Management at the University of Turin.[4]

Talent Management: Khaby Lame, and Mr. Thank You

In 2024, Paparusso began managing Senegalese-Italian content creator Khaby Lame, who is among the most followed social media personalities globally.[1] Under his management, Lame expanded into mainstream entertainment, including a cameo appearance in the film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and the development of a docu-reality series and film projects in collaboration with international production studios.[1] In the same year, he began managing the Hungarian social media influencer Mr. Thank You.[9]

African Fashion Gate (AFG), and Fashion Wears Peace Awards

He founded African Fashion Gate (AFG) in 2015, an organization that advocates for the inclusion of African and Afro-descendant voices in the fashion industry.[10][2][5] The group has organized events and award ceremonies at venues such as the European Parliament in Brussels and the European Commission Representation in Rome. AFG's signature event, "Premio la Moda Veste la Pace" ("Fashion Wears Peace Awards"), celebrates designers and public figures who support anti-racism, diversity, and human rights.[11]

In the same year, Paparusso teamed up with Naomi Campbell to promote African Haute Couture, beginning their journey in Senegal in search of models.[12] Under Paparusso’s leadership, AFG has developed partnerships with international bodies such as the European Parliament and UNESCO,[10] focusing on issues of racism, discrimination, and underrepresentation in the fashion and creative sectors.[13] The organization’s flagship initiative, La Moda Veste la Pace, is an annual event that honors designers and public figures who champion diversity, human rights, and anti-racism. Past honorees have included Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Makaziwe Mandela, and Naomi Campbell.[14]

Ethical Fashion Awards

Another notable program initiated by Paparusso is the Ethical Fashion Award, an accolade presented annually at the European Parliament.[10] The award recognizes individuals and brands for their commitment to ethical practices, inclusivity, and cultural diplomacy through fashion.[10] It serves as a platform to foster dialogue between Africa and Europe, using fashion as a tool for peacebuilding and intercultural understanding.[10]

Honours

National honours

Foreign honours

Personal life

On 23 June 2018, Paparusso married Marietou Dione, a Senegalese model and activist. The couple welcomed their daughter, Giulia Paparusso, on January 3, 2022.

Paparusso is also the father of the Italian fashion entrepreneur Axel Paparusso.

Selected works & projects

Bibliography

Year Title/Project Role
1998 L’infiltrato Novelist
2008 Caffè Corretto Novelist

Essays

  • Angeli Assassini (2014)

Filmography

Year Film Role Notes
— Nessuno Escluso Writer / Director Short film
— La Dieta Mediterranea Writer / Director
2018 Racism is not in style Writer / Director

Television

Year Program Role Notes
— Gran Galà del Made in Italy Co‑writer / Producer TV Program

References

  1. ^ a b c Abisola, Shojobi (3 August 2025). "Talent Manager Behind Khaby Lame's Global Rise". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b Cinque, Fabiola (20 February 2016). "A tu per tu con Nicola Paparusso, ideatore di African Fashion Gate". MyWhere (in Italian). Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b BA, Faty (11 November 2024). "Le parcours multifacette de Nicola Paparusso, manager de Khaby Lame". Senego.com - Actualité au Sénégal (in French). Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Michael, Chisom (15 August 2025). "How Italian academic turned fashion into a platform for global dialogue". Businessday NG. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  5. ^ a b Adeshina, Michael (3 August 2025). "Nicola Paparusso saw fashion's diversity crisis coming and took action". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Oboh, Kenneth (5 August 2025). "10 things you didn't know about Nicola Paparusso". Vanguard News. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  7. ^ a b c Akinsanmi, 'Sola (3 August 2025). "Get to know Nicola Paparusso". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  8. ^ "Vlada, il nuovo disco della talentuosa cantante jazz è prodotto da Nicola Paparusso". Vogue and the City (in Italian). 15 April 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  9. ^ Edubi, Omotayo (1 March 2025). "The visionary manager behind Mr. Thank You's meteoric rise". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e Iliya, Rejoice. "Nicola Paparusso on Fashion, Inclusion, and Building..." Daily Trust. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  11. ^ D'Angelo, Lucia (16 February 2018). "African Fashion Gate". Vogue Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Il produttore Nicola Paparusso si allea a Naomi Campbell per incrementare l'Alta Moda Africana". Vogue and the City (in Italian). 26 May 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  13. ^ Sogedi, Editrice. "all'unesco il protagonista del film "io capitano" di garrone in una master class contro il razzismo". Aise.it. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  14. ^ Genta, Donatella (21 March 2023). "Naomi Campbell riceve il premio La Moda Veste la Pace". d la Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Nicola Mr. Paparusso - The honours of the Italian Republic". Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
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