Football fever, Chivas cocktails and Vibez with Seyi. Ben Tibbits catches up with one of Afrobeats’ most colourful characters and witnesses a Champions League classic.
I’d rather watch football than do pretty much anything else: whether stumbling across a Sunday League match at the local park or witnessing the biggest teams battle it out in the grandest arenas. The latter has been a rarity in my life – those kinds of opportunities, what with ever-rising ticket prices and shortage of availability, are hard to come by.
Today, though, I’ve got lucky – thanks to my new friend and Afrobeats aficionado Seyi Vibez. The Nigerian superstar has been over in London for a few weeks, kicking back with some new potential collaborators, taking in London’s hustle and bustle, and appearing at a show celebrating Afro music at OVO Arena. But tonight will invariably be one of the highlights of his time in the English capital – an exclusive night in the Chivas Regal box at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich, accompanied by – yes, you guessed it, this likely journalist.
“I’ve been coming to London since I was 19, and I’m 25 now. So I’m used to the culture,” the artist tells me. It’s about an hour before kick-off in North London, and the two of us are forgoing the mildly tempestuous evening chill, sitting in the stands, surveying the two sets of players warming up, and having a quick catch-up before too many Chivas are consumed.
Seyi is an intriguing and innovative presence in Afro music. Since emerging some six years ago with an immediately impactful debut single, “Anybody”, the 25-year-old has come on leaps and bounds as an artist. He’s been exploring the delicacies and nuances of the Afrobeat genre, collaborating with some of the scene’s most savoured savants – from Ayra Starr to NSG, BNXN to Burna Boy – and foraying into genres like hip hop and R&B.
He’s been creating sonically since his teens; thankfully, he had the self-confidence to project his talent to the masses. “I started making music when I was like 14,” he reveals, raising his voice above the music blaring throughout the stadium. “I was always passionate, and I could always sing. My voice was like a therapy to my friends, my community, where I was growing up. So I just felt like I could do nothing but music. And here I am today. It’s a dream come true. But from when I was a 20-year-old, I felt like I was going to be a superstar.”
His new album, shared on 13 November, is a certified breakthrough moment – perhaps his most significant to date; a show of “how grown I am,” Seyi defines, and “how I’m moving forward. Afrobeats is growing, and I’m growing with it.” FUJI MOTO takes inspiration from the movement and imagery of Fuji music and culture – channelling a breadth of sonic and thematic ideas, demonstrating Seyi’s ability to reshape his sound and aesthetic to fulfil his passions and artistic ambitions. There are features from some major global names, too – French Montana, Trippie Redd, NLE Choppa, and Olamide. “I’m trying to connect my roots to international people,” he adds, smiling.
Seyi has always been a football fan. He recalls happily playing in his youth, a fan, as we all are, of Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s buzzing for the game ahead – singling out English-Nigerian star Eberechi Eze as his favourite Arsenal player. He thinks it’ll finish 3-1 to Arsenal; I myself favour a draw. We shake on a pennyless wager… only time will tell who is right (spoiler, he was spot on – fella knows ball).
We finish up our chat and head back into the box for some Chivas-fuelled fun. Seyi usually likes to drink his whisky straight or with apple juice, but today he’s treated to an array of cocktails – specifically the Chivas 75, the Paloma Highball Masterclass and the Regal Yuzu Martini.
It’s an intimate room – a maximum of about 10 people at one time, it seems – but the energy is electric. The DJ is playing hit after hit, the drinks are flowing, and everyone’s excited for the game. It nears 8 pm, and we take our seats for the spectacle about to unfold – the two best teams in Europe so far this season go head-to-head.
Both teams start brightly. It’s tight and physical. The Bayern fans sit directly below of box seats – a wave of noise and energy that you simply don’t see from English fans. I get goosebumps.
22 minutes in and Arsenal’s Dutch right back comes up with the goods – Jurrien Timber makes it 1-0 to the Gunners. But the lead doesn’t last long: a lightning-quick Munich break and the German titans’ latest wunderkid, Lennart Karl, pops up with a slick equaliser.
It’s 1-1 at the break; a competitive and compelling opening 45 minutes. Half time calls for some more cocktailing and a quick dance before we’re back out for the second half. It feels like it could go either way.
The difference maker is London’s Italian stallion, Riccardo Calafiori. Not only does he have the best hair in the Premier League, but he also is one helluva crosser of the ball. He puts it on a plate for fellow substitute Noni Madueke to steer Arsenal ahead. The Emirates – and our Chivas box – erupts.
Suddenly, Bayern look all over the place. Within ten minutes, they implode, as a defensive mix-up and a delicious Eze through ball gifts Gabriel Martinelli an open net to usher the ball into. It’s 3-1; game over; good times. Wonderland cover alum Declan Rice is the player of the match – what a performance.
The post-game antics are generational. The drinks and festivities continue for a good hour after the final whistle, with Seyi and co getting a cocktail demonstration, and Arsenal’s mascot, the Gunnersaurus, even making an appearance in the box.
We’re finally ushered out at 11 pm, merry in mood, saying goodbye to the Chivas crew and Seyi, making our way back to Highbury & Islington station. A great game with splendid company and peerless refreshment, what more could you want on a Wednesday evening?
seyi vibez seyi vibez seyi vibez
Words – Ben Tibbits
