Nike has teamed up with Paris-based creative collective Air Afrique to launch the Air Max RK61, a silhouette that reimagines the boundaries between heritage, craft and modern design. The release honours diasporic memory while pushing forward the story of cultural innovation.
The Air Max RK61 takes its name from the historic Air Afrique airline’s flight code, RK, and its founding year, 1961. For decades, the airline symbolized connectivity across West African nations and their diaspora, and its revival through this partnership with Nike reflects the enduring legacy of cultural exchange.
The Nike Air Max RK61’s new design draws inspiration from Nike’s classic Air Max SNDR and timeless moccasin silhouettes. With a refined upper paired with the comfort of Air technology, the shoe combines sartorial elegance with sporty functionality. Every detail pays homage to aviation heritage: a jet engine-inspired Air unit, morse code spelling “Air Afrique” on the outsole, a zipper pull embossed with the airline’s logo, and a jacquard sock liner reminiscent of vintage aircraft seating.
“The notion of Air is deeply connected to our history,” said Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, a member of the Air Afrique collective and editor of its magazine. “Air Afrique, the airline itself, took to the skies to transcend cultures and newly independent African people. We also speak of Air as a symbolic, metaphorical elevation through culture and humanity.
”Founded in 2021 by Lamine Diaoune, Djiby Kebe, Jeremy Konko and Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, Air Afrique re-emerged as a creative collective building on the airline’s legacy. Today, the group champions Afro-diasporic cultural expression through art, cinema and photography. The collaboration with Nike marks a continuation of their mission to celebrate and reinterpret diasporic heritage for a new generation.
Lead designer Jupiter Desphy described the project as an opportunity to honour an era of travel that shaped identities. “The opportunity to travel should be available to everyone,” he said. “Meeting new people, seeing distant relatives and gaining exposure to different cultures form our worldview in a meaningful way. This shoe articulates those ideas and emotions.”
The Première Classe campaign, accompanying the launch channels the style of early 20th-century advertising, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary themes of elegance and comfort.
The Nike Air Max RK61 launch campaign features icons across generations, including football legend Didier Drogba, Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, sprinter Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith and Mme Daba Traoré, a former employee of the original airline. Their presence embodies Afro-diasporic excellence and intergenerational strength.
For Nike and Air Afrique, this release extends a partnership that began with the Air Afrique Football Club campaign last year. “Nike is a universal brand with a cultural platform that has always resonated with us,” said Ahmadou-Bamba. “There’s intention and distinction in every Nike design decision, and that’s what connects them to our story.”
The Air Max RK61 will be available globally on October 9 through SNKRS and select retail partners.