According to music promoter Biliamin Olabanji, known as Billy Que, a group of UK-based promoters were instrumental in popularizing Afrobeats in Britain. He explained that they achieved this by organizing concerts for Nigerian artists, which introduced the sound to new audiences. Billy Que noted that genres like Garage and Grime were initially dominant before Afrobeats gained traction.
He credited several key figures for building the movement. Producer JJC, for instance, was an early pioneer who formed the 419 Squad. Promoters Ayo Shonaiya and DJ Abass created important platforms through live events and media, including the popular Nigerian corner at the Notting Hill Carnival. The television channel BEN TV, owned by Alistair Soyode, also played a vital role by featuring artists on its programming.
He credited several key figures for building the movement. Producer JJC, for instance, was an early pioneer who formed the 419 Squad. Promoters Ayo Shonaiya and DJ Abass created important platforms through live events and media, including the popular Nigerian corner at the Notting Hill Carnival. The television channel BEN TV, owned by Alistair Soyode, also played a vital role by featuring artists on its programming.
