Hundreds of young professionals of all backgrounds are hitting the dance floor in St. Louis, grooving to lively African beats, thanks to event producer Mustapha Kazeem, creator of AfroCity. Since its launch a year ago, the monthly party series has turned into a unique gathering – St. Louis’ biggest international dance party, known for its rocking atmosphere and non-stop Afro-beat music straight from the continent.
Kazeem’s formula involves outdoing himself, month to month. After kicking-off the year with a star DJ and dancer out of Chicago, Kazeem has his eye on making March 24 one of the biggest nights yet. He’s bringing in the Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayo Jay, a budding pop star grabbing millions of views online with sweet, catchy melodies that light up the most infectious dance beats. Ayo Jay’s hit songs include “Your Number,” “Available,” and “Think About Me.”
“Ayo Jay is the type of artist that will make you remember the exact time and date you first saw him,” says Kazeem. “His songs make you stop whatever you’re doing and dance.”
The live party with Ayo Jay will take place at the Olive Bar located at 3037 Olive St. “This will be Ayo Jay’s first time to St. Louis,” says Kazeem. “I have no doubt he will fall in love with the energy and passion in St. Louis like so many artists do.”
After inking a deal with One Nation and RCA in New York, Ayo Jay has been able to reach wider audiences. The London-born artist says he’s excited to make it to the Midwest.
And it’s the Midwest that Kazeem wants to make a hot-spot of urban African and international culture. Born and raised in Nigeria, Kazeem never imagined he’d one day live and work in St. Louis. But after coming to the gateway city for school at the age of 19, the city and its vast potential drew him in.
“I met so many hard-working people like myself who wanted a reason to stay in the city,” Kazeem says. “So I decided to create the events that bring us together to celebrate our culture and where we are right now.”
Kazeem started an events company which focuses on bringing top African artists to St. Louis, as well as Chicago. One of the goals of AfroCity is to provide a classy yet fun event where young, diverse professionals can mingle, wear their nice threads, and let loose on the dance floor.
“You see some partygoers who return month after month,” Kazeem says. “AfroCity is becoming a part of our lives more and more.”
In addition to Ayo Jay, a highlight of the night will be seeing everybody dressed to impress, says dancer Malena Amusa, who’s planning to bring her moves to the party. “African people have a way of coordinating their outfits, from head to toe,” Amusa says. “I’m happy there’s this kind of event where people can really look and feel good.”
Ayo Jay is one of the most acclaimed young African singers to visit St. Louis in months. Last year, Kazeem was instrumental in the concert with Femi Kuti, son of late great Fela Kuti of Nigeria. In hopes to keep the African culture flowing in the city, Kazeem is now planning more events that will go on throughout the year.
AfroCity with guest pop star Ayo Jay from Nigeria will take place Friday, March 24 at 10p.m. at the Olive Bar at 3037 Olive St., 63103. For tickets, visit Tafarigroup.Eventbrite.com
