osamagbe izevbigie shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning osamagbe, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is never really “normal” in the traditional sense. My mornings usually start with emails and calls across different projects—whether that’s finalising logistics for a festival, checking in with partners, or guiding my team of interns and creatives. Afternoons are often split between strategy meetings, creative sessions, and venue visits. In the evenings, I’m either at events supporting other organisers, or I’m deep in planning mode for our upcoming shows.
I thrive in that mix of structure and chaos—it keeps me sharp and constantly learning. Every day is about building, connecting, and making sure Afrowales and OTID continue to create spaces where culture, creativity, and community can shine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Osamagbe Izevbigie, and I’m the founder of Afrowales and OTID Entertainment. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where I first cut my teeth in live events working with some of Africa’s biggest artists. When I moved to Wales, I noticed a real gap in how diverse cultures were represented in music and live events, so I decided to do something about it.
Afrowales started as a small student initiative and has grown into a cultural movement—producing festivals, concerts, and community events that bring together people from all walks of life. We’ve worked with international artists, supported local talent, and created spaces where Black and multicultural communities in Wales can truly see themselves reflected.
What makes us unique is that we’re not just about entertainment—we’re about impact. Afrowales and OTID are platforms for celebration, but also for mentorship, representation, and long-term change. Right now, I’m focused on scaling our projects, from the Black Welsh Music Awards to our upcoming Urban Creatives Festival, making sure Wales is firmly on the map as a hub for culture, diversity, and creativity.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just a curious kid in Lagos who loved sound, rhythm, and the energy of live events. I was fascinated by how music could transform a room, lift spirits, and connect people who didn’t even know each other. I wasn’t thinking about titles or business plans back then—I was just chasing that feeling of creating moments people would never forget.
That raw curiosity and love for music and culture still drives me today. Even as I’ve grown into building organisations like Afrowales and OTID Entertainment, at my core I’m still that same person who just wants to make people feel something real through the power of sound and community.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life has been the feeling of not belonging. Moving from Lagos to Wales, I quickly realised how different I was from everyone around me—not just in appearance, but in culture, music, and perspective. There were times when I felt isolated, overlooked, or like my ideas didn’t fit the mould.
Instead of letting that break me, I used it as fuel. Afrowales was born out of that very wound. I wanted to create spaces where people like me—and people completely different from me—could feel a sense of belonging and pride in their culture. Healing for me came through action: building platforms, empowering others, and proving that diversity is not just a nice addition to society, it’s a driving force of creativity and progress.
The resilience I carry today is rooted in that experience. Every challenge I’ve faced—financial struggles, rejections, setbacks—has reminded me that the wound only defines you if you let it. I’ve chosen to let it shape me into a builder, a connector, and someone who turns pain into purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people are getting it wrong by confusing visibility with impact. In today’s world, it’s easy to measure success by social media numbers, flashy headlines, or short-term hype. But if there’s no substance behind it—no real change, no opportunities created, no communities uplifted—then it’s just noise.
For me, the real work is in building structures that last: platforms that give artists careers, not just a moment; events that spark cultural pride, not just a party; and organisations that make diversity more than a buzzword. Smart people sometimes miss that sustainability and legacy matter more than quick wins.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What I’m doing today that won’t fully pay off for another 7–10 years is building infrastructure—both cultural and organisational—that outlives me. Afrowales and OTID Entertainment aren’t just about putting on great events right now; they’re about creating pipelines of opportunity, mentorship, and representation that will shape Wales’ creative landscape for the next generation.
We’re investing in young talent, establishing platforms like the Black Welsh Music Awards, and developing festivals that can grow into institutions. These things don’t give an immediate return the way a single sold-out event might, but over the next decade, they’ll redefine how diversity, culture, and creativity are valued in Wales and beyond.
For me, the long game is legacy: making sure that in 10 years’ time, there’s a thriving ecosystem where Black and multicultural voices aren’t the exception—they’re central to the story.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: osama_otid
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osamagbe/
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