By Onyeka Ezike

It was an evening defined by vibrant sounds, lively celebration, and youthful energy as the Elite Party EP marked the official launch of the new musical Album by Akolade Samuel, popularly known as Boysarm, an emerging Afrosound artist. The event formed part of the British Council Nigeria’s initiative to support the Nigerian’s creative sector, providing artists with complimentary access to its venue while creating opportunities for broader marketing exposure. The event was recently held at the British Council Nigeria office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the British Council of Nigeria and the Head of Arts & Culture, Harry Kesiena, said that the program was part of the British Council project that offers support for the creative sector, offering opportunities for young talented artists and exposing them to the United Kingdom Market.

He noted that the initiative covers 17 different art forms, “There are 17 different art forms, including Visiual art, Entertainment, Fashion, Film and 3D Animation, that the British Council of Nigeria supports through this program, and it was launched during the COVID-19. Because we realized that post COIVD, it became very difficult for emerging artist to put together a very classical event like this, as a result of access to venue challenges. So for us at the British Counicl, across Nigeria, we have our locations in Kano, Port-Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, we decided to open up our venues for creatives to use for their events without any cost attached to it,” he said.

Kesiena further emphasized on the initiative of the British Council program, which provides supports to fashion stylist to gain new skills while exposing to the United Kingdom market and other parts of Nigeria, also included in the list is film, literature and Animation.

The album launch marks the debut album of Oluwadamilare Samuel Akolade, popularly known as Boysarm, featuring five tracks like Elite Anthem, I go lie for you, Oroma, and Klosa (Berede). Boysarm an Afropop artist performed his hit song “I go Lie for you, Oroma and the Elite Anthem to the delight of his friends and fans.

Boysarm a student of the University of Lagos from the Department of Linguistics and Yoruba. Boysarm, is not just a singer, but a songwriter signed to Lestat Entertainment and is making waves in the music industry with a unique musical style he calls “Elite Awakening,” which he blends Afrobeats and contemporary sounds.

In an Interview with the artist, Boysarm said, the elite party offers the opportunity for fans to engage with his music assuring fans of his music video that will be dropping very soon. “The elite party is not just for the elite but for lovers of good music. My style of music is Afrobeat, but I blend it with other music. As a student, I combine my music with my studies by ensuring that none is found losing. I also want to use this opportunity to advise other undergraduate students to focus on their studies while discovering their talent on time particularly on campus.

Boysarm combined both the English attire and the Yoruba traditional attire reflecting his cultural heritage and his music style. Peter Rhema, Boysarm’s hair stylist, said the artist is worthy of celebrating. Rhema whose name is Anyanwu Anayochukwu is the fashion stylist for Boysarm, designing all his outfit attires.

The event was the maiden edition of “The Elite Party” that provides a physical gathering of fans and members of the “Elite Gang” movement. Boysarm’s hit track titled Oroma was Directed by Major Visuals, the song which is a danceable song that presents with a youthful energic vibes for party. The songs are available in Spotify music platform.