Celebration of African Music, culture at Beriola’s BECALIZATION

The beat of Nigerian entertainer Khalid Ayanshina, famously known as Beriola, last Sunday, November 17, echoes through the walls of the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, to the streets, pulsing with the vibrant energy of Africa’s diverse cultures, as the artiste delivered a mesmerizing cultural experience with his groundbreaking concert, BECALIZATION.

Along with his troupe, Beriola and the Becas, they created an unforgettable atmosphere that highlighted his innovative sound – Beca Music, turned the concert into a night of vibrant African music, culture, and artistry.

Rooted in traditional African rhythms and infused with modern genres like jazz, soul, and Afrobeat, Beca Music is a genre Beriola has carefully honed over the years.

Speaking about the concert, Beriola said: “BECALIZATION is my heart and soul poured into one event. It’s not just a concert, it’s a cultural statement. The name reflects my vision of creating a space where people experience Beca music in its purest form. It’s about showcasing African artistry while embracing global influences.”

The concert was well attended by a star-studded guest list that includes Nollywood icons Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Aishat Lawal, Bimbo Thomas, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Kemity, Seyi Edun, and Afeez Abiodun.

Fans were treated to a night of immersive live performances, electrifying collaborations, and surprises. The choice of the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre as venue amplified the concert’s cultural significance.

“The venue itself is a blend of art and culture, just like my music,” Beriola stated.

Performing with his troupe, Beriola delivered a mix of familiar hits and new compositions that demonstrated the versatility and depth of his Beca Music.

Beriola’s mission extends beyond entertainment as he aims to redefine perceptions of African music. “I wanted to create a sound that feels like home but also invites the world in,” he added.

Beyond being a concert, BECALIZATION according to Beriola is the beginning of what he envisions as a global cultural movement. “People often expect African music to fit into a particular box, but I want to show that it can be experimental, layered, and boundary-pushing

“I see this growing into a series of concerts across Africa and beyond,” Beriola enthused, stressing that he “wanted the attendees to leave with a deeper connection to African culture and a renewed sense of pride in their roots.”

Also speaking at the event, the publicist of the event, Emir Olakunle Bello of Emiralty Africa explained that it was necessary for the epitome of talent to cement his place as sound music maker. “Beriola is not just a talent, he is a sound maestro, and everyone here tonight can testify to that,” he explained.

With BECALIZATION, Beriola has not only celebrated African music but also set a new standard for cultural events, blending tradition and innovation to create a lasting impact on the global stage.