Oluwaseun Balogun remembers the exact moment he conceptualized the Afrobeats Ultimate Multi-Yacht Party.
It was December 12, 2020 and the owner of concierge service Capt Balo Miami had taken some clients out on the water. He arranged for DJ to provide the boat’s soundtrack yet the music being played was far from his favorite. Then came an idea: “I’m doing a party like this” – but with all Afrobeats.
Balogun’s dream has come to life more than two years – and roughly 20 yachts – later. Billed as the “First Afrobeats Ultimate Multi-Yacht Party,” Balogun assembled a fleet that’ll set sail Friday night and exclusively play the hottest genre in the world. The yachts will meet at an undisclosed location where they will dock and the party will commence with sounds from DJs Prince, Tunez, Diversity and Oreo.
“The majority of people who have yachts here are either American or Latin,” said Balogun, who helps spice up visitors’ vacations with access to an array of yachts, exotic cars and mansions. “I’m trying to show Black people that we can also have these kind of parties.”
Friday’s festivities will coincide with Afro Nation Miami, also known as “the world’s largest Afrobeats festival,” which takes place Saturday and Sunday. There hasn’t been anything like his event in Miami and beyond, Balogun said.
“What better way to give guests a welcoming to Miami than with a yacht,” Balogun added, calling Miami the “yachting capital of America.”
“You can’t come to Miami and not yacht,” he added.
For Hannah O. Simone, a New Yorker of Nigerian descent currently living in South Florida, the opportunity to see her culture combined with that of Miami was an experience she couldn’t pass up.
“It highlights African culture ,” Simone added. “I’ve never seen when there’s 20 plus yachts lined up on the water. Everybody has their own dance floor.”
Part of what influenced Balogun’s decision to throw such a party is the lack of visibility surrounding West African culture in South Florida. With Afro Nation as well as the growing influence of Afrobeats, this is a chance to spotlight it here in South Florida.
“Afrobeats is feel good music,” Balogun said. “So we’re welcoming people to have a good time and come experience this unique party.”
Balogun, who has lived in Miami for the last decade, hopes to have this be a recurring party here in the 305. He’s not alone.
“I don’t want it to be a one time thing,” Simone added. “I want it to be something that’s happening consistently to let people know it’s not just the clubs you can go to. You can have fun on the water. You can have fun in the air. You can have fun on the land. And still move. You know Afrobeats, as soon as you hear it, your head starts bopping. Your leg starts moving. ”
IF YOU GO:
What: “First Afrobeats Ultimate Multi-Yacht Party”
When: 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. May 26, 2023
Where: Location will be sent out May 25
Costs: $250 + Taxes & Fees
For more info visit www.captbalomiami.com
This story was originally published May 22, 2023 10:50 AM.
