By Esther Onyegbula

In a bold move to counter the rising tide of substance abuse and peer pressure among young adults, Arts Drive Productions has announced the inaugural edition of the All Star Alte Party (ASAP), a youth-focused creative showcase set to hold on May 30, 2025, at Lead City University, Ibadan.

The event, according to founder and show promoter Oyelola Olawale Kush, is designed as a strategic alternative to negative social influences by providing a platform for young people to express themselves through music, visual arts, spoken word, and other creative outlets.

“With ASAP, we’re not just curating another show, we are providing a safe, engaging, and vibrant space where young people can freely express their talents and find affirmation through creativity rather than harmful vices,” Kush told reporters. “The aim is to inspire and redirect energy towards purpose, passion, and positive self-expression.”

ASAP is scheduled to take place at the outdoor tennis court of Lead City University, an intentional choice to reflect the open, inclusive spirit of the initiative. Organisers are hopeful that the debut event will lay the foundation for a continuous platform to support youth talent development and community building.

Beyond the creative display, ASAP is a response to wider challenges facing the Nigerian entertainment industry. Kush highlighted the economic downturn, lack of government support, and reduced event sponsorship as significant threats to live performance culture.

“The entertainment space is struggling,” he noted. “Event promoters face increasing difficulties due to poor funding and limited institutional support. The rise of digital platforms has further discouraged physical show productions, making it harder for emerging talents to find traditional stages for performance.”

Despite these challenges, Kush remains optimistic about the potential of ASAP to become a transformative space for youth engagement in Nigeria’s evolving cultural landscape.

“We believe in the resilience of Nigerian youth. With the right push and platforms like this, they will shine, not through shortcuts or negative distractions, but through their authentic voices and talents.”

The event is expected to draw students, emerging creatives, and community stakeholders from across Ibadan and beyond. Organisers have promised an “explosive evening of talent showcase, productive social networking, and a clear message of positive engagement.”

As anticipation builds for May 30, ASAP is shaping up to be more than a party, it’s a creative movement with a mission.