A rooftop in Prince George will be transformed into a vibrant dance floor on Friday, July 4 as Lagos in PG 2.0: Aura for Aura takes over the Canadian Brewhouse.
The ticketed nightclub event is hosted by Afro Prince George, a local community group dedicated to promoting Black culture and nightlife in northern BC.
“The rooftop is going to be transformed into Lagos for the night,” said organizer Patrick Offiah. “You won’t feel like it’s PG.”
The rooftop venue will include a stage, DJ booth and VIP tables, creating what Offiah describes as an immersive experience rooted in African culture.
Offiah told The Citizen that the goal of the event is not only to celebrate Afrobeat music but to showcase and elevate the African community in Prince George.
“I believe the African community in Prince George — people don’t know a lot about us and our culture,” said Offiah. “The first event during Black History Month was really just to let people know that we are here, that we have our own culture and our own music.
“Afrobeat is popping right now, so we’re trying to show people the culture and have a good time. There’s nothing really like this in Prince George. We’re just trying to have a seat at the table and push the culture forward.”
The inaugural Lagos in PG event, held during Black History Month at Ignite Nightclub, drew more than 500 attendees.
This year’s follow-up will feature performances by two northern BC talents, including DJ Vinnie Bugatti, who grew up in Prince George, and Hypeman Sazzy from Kamloops.
Also joining the lineup are Vancouver-based artists Damask Drumz on percussion and saxophonist Jamie Saxx.
Offiah said a portion of ticket sales will be donated to local non-profits, including the Afro-Caribbean Society at UNBC and the Afro-Caribbean Society of Northern BC.
“We ticket our events because it’s owned by us,” said Offiah. “So we give back to them so they can help do activities like Black History Month. Students are coming in from their home countries in September, so we also do workshops to help Black people settle into the town as well. We work hand in hand with them.”
While organizing an event of this size can be stressful, Offiah said he’s looking forward to seeing the community come together.
“One of the biggest things I see is that we are a community,” he said. “It’s going to be an event where you can network and meet people. Just good vibes — apart from the DJs, you’re going to see people dancing and having fun. Everybody is just here to have a good time.”
Tickets for Lagos in PG 2.0: Aura for Aura are available by calling or texting 250-981-3862, or by visiting the Canadian Brewhouse.
