BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM
“From mic control to crowd command, the UK Afrobeats scene has been getting a serious energy boost and one name steadily making noise behind the decks (without spinning any) is Olalekan Adeyemo, aka Papichulo.”
Since touching down in the UK in 2023, Papichulo has been building his brand as a certified vibe curator, lighting up stages across Sheffield, Manchester, London, Bradford, Derby, Newcastle, and Lincoln.
Whether it’s a chill community link-up or a full-blown nightlife shutdown, he’s been in the mix, setting the tone and keeping the energy levels on max.
But this isn’t just about holding a mic, Papichulo plays the ultimate ringmaster role. Think hype architect, flow controller, and crowd whisperer all in one. From syncing performers to keeping the audience locked in, he’s the glue that holds the entire show together, making sure no moment falls flat…whether it’s a corporate-style conference or a sweaty Afrobeats rave.
One standout moment? The Naija Food Carnival in Sheffield on July 13, 2024 hosted at Network where over 20 vendors pulled up to serve premium Nigerian flavours alongside non-stop music and culture. Papichulo didn’t just host; he drove the entire experience, keeping transitions smooth and the crowd fully plugged in from start to finish.
Then came The Market Place Party at SADACCA…an all-day-to-all-night flex that ran from September 21 into the early hours of the next day. This wasn’t your average event, it was a cultural marathon. And Papichulo? He stayed on top form, maintaining high energy, engaging the crowd, and coordinating the moving parts like a seasoned showrunner.
By 2025, he leveled up stepping into the Nigerian Business Summit (NBS Conference) in Derby, where he wasn’t just on the mic but also part of the engine room behind the scenes. It was a clean crossover from nightlife hype man to corporate culture facilitator proof of versatility in a space where branding and presence are everything.
Fast forward to 2026, and Papichulo is still outside headlining as the official MC at the Afro Naija Food Festival in Derby. With big names in attendance, including UK political figures, he held it down effortlessly, balancing crowd engagement with structured stage management like a pro.
And when the sun goes down? He’s still active in the UK Afrobeats nightlife circuit, where the real culture breathes. These parties are more than just turn-ups they’re the heartbeat of the diaspora, and Papichulo is right there, amplifying the sound and pushing the culture forward.
He’s even taken the vibes international, popping up at Afrobeats events in Albania showing that the wave is global and the demand for top-tier hosts is only growing.
With the Afro Naija Food Festival set to return on May 30, 2026, in Leicester and with major media buzz expected the spotlight on African culture in the UK is only getting brighter. And in the middle of that spotlight? Guys like Papichulo, who may not be the headline artist but are essential to making the whole show hit different.
In the ever-evolving Afrobeats ecosystem, Papichulo isn’t just hosting events, he’s scripting experiences, one crowd at a time.