At an event held on Sunday at the British Council office in Lagos for the unveiling of rising music act Harry Kesiena and his debut project, Elite The EP, the organisation highlighted its ongoing post-pandemic strategy aimed at revitalising creative expression and access to performance spaces.
Kesiena, Head of Arts and Culture at the British Council Nigeria, said the initiative was designed in response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, which significantly limited artists’ ability to stage events and reach audiences. He explained that the council has since opened its venues across Nigeria to creatives at no cost, enabling them to host showcases, performances, and exhibitions in structured environments.
According to him, the programme extends beyond music to other creative sectors, including fashion and literature, with added support to help designers and artists gain visibility and connect with markets in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He added that beneficiaries are provided with reliable infrastructure such as stable electricity and secure venues, while emphasising that participants must demonstrate organisation and readiness—either individually or through professional management—to access the opportunities.
The event also featured the unveiling of fast-rising artiste Boysarm, who presented his debut project, Elite The EP. Speaking at the launch, he described the gathering as an “elite party” designed not only for select audiences but for lovers of good music, noting that his sound blends Afrobeats with other contemporary influences under a self-styled genre he calls “Elite Awakening.”
The University of Lagos undergraduate, signed to Lestat Entertainment, also noted how he balances his academic commitments with his music career. He encouraged fellow students to pursue their talents early while maintaining focus on their studies. He further assured fans that a new music video is in the works and will be released soon.