Seun Rave, an entertainer and event promoter, had his first taste of the entertainment world long before he became a household name in Ibadan’s vibrant social scene. Despite early dreams of becoming a musician, Seun's path took a different turn, eventually leading him to become a force in event management and brand activation.
Growing up, Seun always had a passion for music, and his friends and family constantly complimented his singing voice. He even considered pursuing a career as a musician. However, a pivotal moment occurred during his teenage years that altered his course.
I remember sneaking out to attend a party after telling my dad I had a group assignment to complete at a friend's house, Seun recalled. When my dad found out, he confronted me, and I had to choose between continuing my education or becoming an entertainer. Of course, I chose education, not wanting to embarrass the family.
This moment marked the end of his dream to become a musician, but his love for entertainment never wavered.
Though Seun set aside his musical aspirations, his passion for organizing parties grew stronger. One of his earliest experiences as an event organizer was a party themed Blaze, which he co-organized with his friend Samskid. They invested a significant amount of money into the event, but things took a wrong turn when their school's principal caught wind of it.
The flier had my name on it, and the principal traced it back to me,Seun said. We faced threats from some of the teachers, and though the party went ahead without me, I ended up losing more than half my investment.
Despite the setback, Seun continued pursuing his passion for entertainment, a journey that shaped his career today.
Seun’s time at the University of Lagos played a crucial role in shaping his identity as an entertainer. He joined a popular club known for hosting parties, which is where he adopted the stage name Seun Rave.
The club was called Rave,and it was a tradition for members to add the club name as a suffix to their names. That’s how Seun Rave was born,he explained.
Throughout his university years, Seun honed his skills as an event planner and brand promoter, experiences that paved the way for his current success.
Seun is heavily influenced by key figures in the Afrobeats and entertainment industry, including Smade, Ayo Shonaiya, and Adesope Olajide (Shopsydoo). I admire Smade’s work ethic and how he grew Afrobeats into a global phenomenon,Seun said. Ayo Shonaiya is another inspiration, having managed some of Nigeria’s biggest talents like D’banj and Don Jazzy. And of course, Adesope Olajide, who is a relentless promoter of African music and culture.
These role models continue to inspire Seun as he navigates his way through the industry, carving out his own niche in event promotion and brand management.
Today, Seun Rave is an established name in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, working with various brands and organizing major events across the country. From the Kribz Lounge and Apartments launch to the Oyo Corper’s Fest, The Cavemen Concert, and the Amala Festival, Seun has left his mark on numerous high-profile events.
Currently, he is working on OneDaland, a unique event in December that will showcase cars, music, and fashion in Ibadan. He is also eager to collaborate with brands and sponsors to make the event a success.
One of Seun’s latest ventures is The Blast Yard, an initiative aimed at supporting emerging Nigerian artists. It’s always been my dream to create a platform where upcoming artists can showcase their talent, Seun shared. With The Blast Yard, we’re building a music community that gives artists visibility and opportunities to perform in front of a ready-made crowd.
The event, held every last Friday of the month at the Yinka Ayefele music house in Ibadan, also offers artists interviews on radio, exposure on digital platforms, and opportunities for growth.
Seun Rave’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and evolution. From his early days of sneaking into parties to becoming a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, he has shown that setbacks can become stepping stones to success.
As Seun continues to grow his brand and expand his influence, there’s no doubt that his unique vision and drive will lead him to even greater heights in the world of entertainment. Whether through organizing innovative events like OneDaland or nurturing emerging talent through The Blast Yard, Seun Rave is a name to watch out for in Nigeria’s ever-evolving entertainment scene.