Walk into a typical Central/South London or Dublin nightclub, and each time the DJ plays Ckay’s “Love Nwantin tin” or Rema’s “Calm down,” you can’t help but notice the club’s elated reaction accompanied by the dance steps taken up a notch.
What started as several young kids making experimental music in makeshift living room studios in Lagos, Nigeria, has led to the emergence of a global sound called Afrobeats, led by superstars like Wizkid, Burnaboy, Davido, Asake and Omah Lay.
With these artists now headlining major music festivals around the world, collaborating with other music heavyweights, and being recognised at prestigious awards like the Grammys, there is no denying its growing popularity as Afrobeats continues to sweep the world’s major cities, from the UK, America, Paris, Ibiza, Amsterdam, and now Belfast, Northern Ireland.
As a result, it’s becoming increasingly common to hear irresistible indigenous African rhythms infused with elements from R&B, hip hop, and Amapiano to create a distinct, feel-good, danceable sound across various parts of NI.
This can be traced to some noteworthy people organising regular Afrobeats events in Belfast, Dublin, and London. At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised if an Afrobeats artist headlines a major Belfast music festival like the Belsonic.
Looking for a great Afrobeats experience in Belfast? Here are the people you should know:
Meet NI’s Afrobeats frontmen:
1. DJ Rob & Renzo Rose
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Famed DJ partners, DJ Rob and Renzo Rose, have pioneered and championed some of the biggest afrobeats events in Belfast. Their entertainment outfit, Rob & Renzo Events, boasts massive turnouts for their gigs.
Their signature events include the Red Cup Belfast, an annual summer fest, the Nigerian Independence Day celebration, and their regular Saturday night gigs at the Tipsy bird.
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2. Holla Bars
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Holla Bars is probably one of the 5 budding Afrobeats artists in Northern Ireland. Born Damilola Akinwale, the singer, performer and songwriter has been steadily rising in the Belfast music scene. With performances in, Derry/L.Derry, Dublin and London, he has been receiving positive reviews for his stage craft and is set to do big things in the NI Music scene.
3. James “OJ” Ayo
The Director of Hox Box Entertainment, James, popularly known as OJ is an influential figure in the NI music scene. He runs a music studio, producing songs for both NI’s established and upcoming musicians. James also runs the Yes You Can Initiative, a charity partnering with agencies like Arts Council NI, the Belfast City Council and the Rio Ferdinard Foundation to equip young people with creative skills in music production, DJing, videography and photo editing.
OJ’s Hot Box entertainment recently shutdown his Ravenhill road studios to work on building 2 new ultramodern studios in Belfast and Derry, set to be open by late April 2024.
4. DJ Krest
Alongside DJ Nero, DJ Krest runs several weekend events where he plays Afrobeats and Amapiano music to the delight of his audience.
5. UrbanChick Events
Led by DJ Ola Melody, Urban Chick is committed to providing unforgettable events. Over the decades, it has consistently staged urban events in London, Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Letterkenny, and other locations.
Think we missed any other Afrobeats front person in Belfast? Feel free to reach out and let us know.
