My music pushes boundaries, experimental – Beriola

Nigerian entertainer, Khalid Ayanshina, better known as Beriola, delivered a mesmerising cultural experience with his groundbreaking concert ‘ BECALIZATION’. Held on Sunday, November 17, at the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, the event turned into a night of vibrant African music, culture, and artistry.

Beriola, along with his troupe ’Beriola and the Becas’, created an unforgettable atmosphere that highlighted his innovative sound—Beca Music. 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 to journalists, he said, “BECALIZATION is my heart and soul poured into one event. It’s not just a concert; it’s a cultural statement,” Beriola explained in a pre-event interview.

“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 featured a star-studded guest list, including 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 the venue amplified the concert’s cultural significance. “The venue itself is a blend of art and culture, just like my music,” Beriola said.

Performing with his troupe, Beriola delivered a mix of familiar hits and new compositions that demonstrated the versatility and depth of Beca Music.
Beriola’s mission extends beyond entertainment—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 said.

His unique approach has earned him international acclaim, with standout performances in London and other global cities.

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.

Despite facing challenges such as limited funding and expectations for African music to conform to stereotypes, Beriola remains committed to his craft. “People often expect African music to fit into a particular box,” he shared.

“But I want to show that it can be experimental, layered, and boundary-pushing.”

More than just a concert, BECALIZATION is the beginning of what Beriola envisions as a global cultural movement.

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

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.