Entertainment
AFRO EXPLOSION ENTERTAINMENT WEAVED IN CULTURAL HERITAGE – PAUL JOE
AFRO EXPLOSION ENTERTAINMENT WEAVED IN CULTURAL HERITAGE – PAUL JOE
In an age where African culture continues to captivate global audiences, Afro Explosion has emerged as one of the most vibrant showcases of Afrocentric talent in the diaspora. At the heart of this cultural wave is Paul Joe, the visionary founder and CEO of Bubez Productions Limited—a multimedia and event company dedicated to projecting the richness of African heritage through music, fashion, comedy, dance, and more.
From humble beginnings to curating large-scale experiences like Afro Explosion and the upcoming Afro Glow Night, Paul Joe is not only bridging cultural gaps but also creating platforms for emerging African creatives to thrive. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey into showbiz, the mission behind Bubez Productions, the challenges and triumphs of organizing international cultural events, and what the future holds for Afro Explosion and beyond.
Prepare to be inspired by a story of passion, persistence, and purpose—woven into the vibrant tapestry of African entertainment.
Please introduce yourself?
My name is Paul Joe, and I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bubez Productions Limited. I’m passionate about promoting African culture through entertainment and media, and I’m deeply committed to creating platforms that celebrate diversity, creativity, and unity.
Tell us something about Bubez Productions Limited.
Bubez Productions Limited is a multimedia and event production company dedicated to curating and showcasing authentic African talent across music, comedy, dance, and fashion. We specialize in organizing large-scale cultural events, particularly aimed at celebrating African heritage within the diaspora and beyond. Our flagship event, Afro Explosion, is one of our proudest achievements.
How did you start and what’s your dream for it?
It started from a vision to create a space where African creatives could thrive and be celebrated on international platforms. I noticed a gap in representation and decided to take a step—what began as a modest event has evolved into a cultural movement. The dream is to make Bubez Productions a global hub for Afro-centric entertainment, bridging the gap between Africa and the world.
What led you into showbiz and entertainment?
Growing up, I was always captivated by music, stage performances, and storytelling. I realized early on that entertainment had the power to connect people across borders. That passion, coupled with the desire to showcase African excellence, pulled me into the showbiz world.
How did you manage to cut your teeth in the ever-competitive industry?
Persistence, relationship-building, and staying true to our brand. We started small, proved our consistency, and maintained quality. Every project became a stepping stone. We earned trust by delivering unique experiences and making sure our events stood out.
What year did the Afro Explosion start?
Afro Explosion started in 2025, It was born from a desire to give the African community in the UK something authentic to identify with and to create platforms for upcoming Afrobeat artists to showcase themselves and collaborate with experienced musicians to promote their work.
What was the motivation for it?
The motivation was twofold: to celebrate African culture in its full vibrancy and to create a networking and performance platform for emerging African creatives. I wanted to bring the sights, sounds, and soul of Africa to the heart of the UK.
How would you rate the acceptability at the beginning?
It was modest at first but encouraging. People were curious, excited, and supportive. That gave us the momentum to keep going and grow stronger each year.
Tell us the challenges attributed to hosting the Afro Explosion.
Challenges included funding, logistics, securing venues, visa issues for international acts, and balancing cultural expectations with mainstream standards. But every obstacle pushed us to be more innovative.
How were you able to connect with your sponsors?
We focused on building trust and a clear brand. We showed our value through past events and audience engagement. Once potential sponsors saw the quality and reach, it became easier to align on mutual goals.
Is Afro Explosion only for residents of Liverpool alone, or are other people from other provinces welcome?
Afro Explosion is for everyone! While it started in Liverpool, we’ve had attendees from Manchester, Birmingham, London, and even outside the UK. It’s a cultural celebration open to all.
What’s your next line of action in the entertainment industry? Are we expecting another season of Afro Explosion or a new flavor entirely?
Yes! We’re working on Afro Explosion 2026, which will be even bigger. But we’re also developing new concepts—including a talent showcase event called AFRO GLOW NIGHT. AFRO EXPLOSION AWARDS NIGHT etc.
Next Upcoming Event:
AFRO GLOW NIGHT
Afro Glow Night is a vibrant fusion of Afrobeat music, comedy, dance, and spoken word, all under neon lights.
🎉 Event Overview: AfroGlow Night
Tagline: “Where Rhythm Meets Radiance”
Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 11.30 PM
Venue: District, 61 Jordan Street Liverpool L1 0BE
Age Group: 16–45
Dress Code: Neon, UV-reactive, or white attire encouraged
Tickets: Early Bird £15, General Admission £20, VIP £30 (includes glow accessories and express entry)
Here’s a comprehensive highlights that make it unforgettable.
Event Highlights
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Floor
• UV lighting, neon face paint stations, and glow sticks create an immersive atmosphere.
• DJs spinning Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, and R&B hits.
2. Live Performances
• Spoken word artists delivering powerful performances.
• Comedians add humor and energy to the night.
• Dance crews showcasing Afrobeat-inspired routines.
3. Interactive Experiences
• Photo booths with neon props.
• Live art installations and graffiti walls.
• Audience participation games with prizes.
Music Entertainment
• Resident DJs: Local Afrobeat and Amapiano specialists.
• Special Guests: Emerging artists and performers from the Afro-diaspora.
• Live Acts: Spoken word poets and stand-up comedians.
• Standup Comedy: F Spoken Featuring top international and local composers across the United Kingdom.
Food & Beverage
• Food Trucks: Serving African and Caribbean cuisine.
• Drinks: Glow-themed cocktails and mocktails.
• Special Offers: Discounted drinks for early ticket holders.
Venue Setup;
• Entrance: Neon archway with event branding.
• Main Area: UV lighting, LED screens displaying visuals, and a central stage.
• VIP Section: Exclusive lounge with premium seating and bottle service.
Stay tuned.
What are your strategies for making it heterogeneous in nature, both artists and audiences?
We curate diverse lineups from across Africa and the diaspora. Our marketing targets both Africans and non-Africans. Collaborations with local UK artists also help blend the cultures and create cross-cultural engagement.
Would you be featuring stand-up comedians in subsequent events?
Absolutely! Comedy is a huge part of African entertainment. We’ve featured comedians in past events and plan to include more stand-up acts in future editions to keep the vibe fun and relatable.
Are we looking to see global Afrobeat musicians from Africa in the upcoming series?
Yes! We are in talks with some big names in the Afrobeat scene. The goal is to bring world-renowned Afrobeat artists to share the stage with emerging talents, creating a powerful blend.
What’s the big thing about the upcoming Afro Explosion that isn’t in the last edition?
Next year, we’re adding a fashion and cultural parade, interactive tech installations, and a business networking session for creatives. It’s not just entertainment—it’s an immersive cultural experience.
Any plans to take Afro Explosion to other cities in the UK?
Definitely. We’re planning to expand to London, Manchester, and Birmingham. We want to spread the Afro Explosion vibe across the UK.
Is Bubez Productions Limited looking at incorporating Entertainment Music Awards in future events?
Yes, we are. We’re developing an Afro Explosion Awards Night to recognize artists, creatives, and cultural influencers who are making waves globally. It’ll be a major part of our upcoming editions.
Who are your mentors in the showbiz and entertainment industry?
I look up to Don Jazzy, Edi Lawani, and Tyler Perry for their visionary approach and consistency. They’ve shaped culture and created sustainable platforms, which is what I aim to do.
What entertainment event standard are you looking to replicate in Afro Explosion?
Events like Coachella, Afro Nation, Africa Oye, and BET Awards inspire us. We aim to blend high production quality with deep cultural storytelling to create a signature African event on the global stage.
General showbiz challenges—how are you coping?
It’s a tough industry—unpredictable and fast-paced. We cope by staying flexible, investing in good people, leveraging data for decisions, and always keeping the audience experience front and center.
How do you handle artists and event organizers’ disputes?
Clear contracts, open communication, and mutual respect. We ensure everyone understands expectations upfront and have systems in place for quick conflict resolution if anything arises.
Do you see Afro Explosion competing favorably with any other events of such globally shortly?
Absolutely. We’re laying the foundation for Afro Explosion to become a global cultural brand. With consistent quality, innovation, and authenticity, we believe we can stand tall on the global stage.
Entertainment
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.
Early Life And Background :
Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.
From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.
Music Career And Creative Journey :
Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.
While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.
His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.
Family Life And Personal Milestones :
Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.
Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.
His Passing :
The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.
While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.
Burial Arrangements :
The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:
Friday, January 23, 2026 :
Time : 2:00 PM
Venue : His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State
Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers :
Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.
In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.
As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Entertainment
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
The Chairman-in-Council of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has congratulated celebrated music stars Rema and Shallipopi for their outstanding achievements at the recently concluded AFRIMMA Awards, where they emerged as shining ambassadors of the Benin Kingdom on the global entertainment stage.
Rema, ( Divine Justice Ikubor) the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats sensation of Benin extraction, carted home three prestigious awards, while fast-rising artiste Shallipopi ( Crown Uzama) also clinched one award, marking a moment of pride not just for Edo State but for the entire Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued by the Benin Summit Group, Osaro Onaiwu described their victories as a powerful demonstration of Benin excellence, creativity, and global relevance.
“I commend and congratulate Rema and Shallipopi for putting the Benin Kingdom firmly in the global space through their talent, hard work, and discipline. Their achievements are a source of pride to our people and an inspiration to our youths,” Onaiwu said.
He noted that the success of Benin sons in the global entertainment industry reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity and supporting young talents across music, film, fashion, and other creative arts.
“These accomplishments show what is possible when talent meets opportunity and determination. Benin land is rich in creativity, and the world is beginning to take notice,” he added.
Osaro Onaiwu further urged other Benin sons and daughters, particularly those in the creative and entertainment sectors, to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasizing that global recognition comes through consistency, hard work, and commitment to craft.
“I urge others to strive harder to excel. Let the achievements of Rema and Shallipopi motivate the next generation to dream bigger, work harder, and represent Benin with dignity and pride wherever they find themselves,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin Summit Group to promoting unity, culture, and development, including the creative arts, which he described as a powerful tool for projecting the Benin heritage and identity to the world.
According to Onaiwu, celebrating the successes of Benin sons and daughters across various fields remains central to the group’s mission of fostering unity, pride, and collective progress within the Benin Kingdom and the diaspora.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GICANA: The New Nigerian Drama Shaking YouTube
A powerful new Nigerian drama, GICANA, has made its debut during the Yuletide season, sending a strong social message while keeping audiences glued to their screens. The film, now streaming on Mustapha Sholagbade Television (MSTV) on YouTube, explores the dangerous consequences of transacting one’s body for money, portraying it as a risky game with far-reaching emotional and moral implications.
Produced by Almatin Limited, GICANA is directed by the creative duo of Olayemi Adeodu and Ayanbode Simon. The directors bring depth and realism to the story, carefully unpacking themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the silent battles faced by individuals pushed to the edge by circumstance.
The movie, which was shot in Canada and Nigeria, boasts a rich ensemble of industry talents who delivered compelling performances, including Remi Surutu, Dotun Adebanjo, Mustapha Sholagbade, Bukola Kiitan, Temidayo (Starboy), Dare Melody, Jumoke Fadipe, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Adejoke Adesokan, and several others. Their performances added emotional weight and authenticity to the storyline, making GICANA both engaging and thought-provoking.
Behind the scenes, the production quality of GICANA stands out. Cinematography was handled by Director Keny and Abiodun Bukola, while Mr Perfect served as script supervisor. Sound was recorded by Idrissound, with lighting by Tomcity. Makeup was expertly done by Ifeoluwa Adejumo, and Muhammed Hussein brought the film’s environments to life as set designer.
Released at a time traditionally associated with celebration and reflection, GICANA uses the Yuletide season to challenge viewers to think deeply about societal pressures and the hidden dangers of quick money. The film is already generating conversations online, with viewers praising its message, performances, and strong moral undertone.
With its timely release and compelling narrative, GICANA is more than just a movie, it is a cautionary tale and a must-watch drama for audiences seeking meaningful African storytelling this new year.
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