ebuka nwobu

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE POWER HOUSE BEHIND VOGUEBOYS By Ikenna Churchill For Ekpo Nigeria In Nigeria, the nightlife scene is evolving, and Vogueboys is right at the center of that change. Led by Ebuka, Vogueboys is reshaping the way young people experience parties, with events that blend fashion, music, and lifestyle into something fresh. Through their raves and cookouts—held across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—they are breaking old rules and creating spaces where people can show up, express themselves, and just have fun. The journey started in 2020 with a beach party meant to celebrate Vogueboys’ community and collaborators. “That party was mad,” Ebuka laughs. “Everyone kept asking when the next one would be.” From there, Vogueboys turned into an extension of Ebuka’s production company—where they could explore what he calls the more “irresponsible” side of creativity. “It’s a playful sub-brand for us to do things like parties and merchandise without overthinking.” These parties are far from regular. Vogueboys’ idea of a good time—what they call “raging”—comes from how they already party with friends and family. “We’re like a big family that just grew bigger with adopted friends,” Ebuka says. “Our nights out are always wild and free, and that’s exactly what we want people to feel at our events.” The goal is for everyone, even strangers, to let go without worrying about judgment. Whether it’s through creative twists in party design or fashion statements, Vogueboys makes sure that every event feels new and different. Breaking the Rules Vogueboys don’t just throw parties—they challenge how parties are done. The Easter Cookout came from their frustration with so-called pool parties where no one touched the water. “People would show up in jeans and hoodies to a pool party,” Ebuka says, shaking his head. “We decided Lagos youths needed to get wet and sweaty.” That’s how the Easter Cookout was born. Over time, it became the Summer Cookout, a waterpark festival that people now love—and copy. Then there’s Dirty, Sexy Rave—Vogueboys’ take on a warehouse rave. Ebuka believes Nigeria’s diversity is perfect for such events. “Our culture is too rich to limit raves to one type of music or crowd,” he tells Ekpo Nigeria. The idea is simple: give people a playground to be their sexiest, most authentic selves for one night—no fear, no harassment. “Nothing like this existed here before,” he adds. “So, we had to do something about it.” Adjusting to Different Cities Vogueboys has held events in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and even Ibadan. Each city comes with its own vibe, but Ebuka insists that, at the core, everyone just wants to have a great time. “Once people dress up and leave the house, they’re hoping the event will be worth all the trouble,” he says. For Vogueboys, the key is creating a space that makes people feel free enough to have fun. “If you get that right, every city starts to feel the same.” Beyond music and drinks, Vogueboys pays attention to every detail of their events, from venue design to crowd flow. “We’ve taught a new generation of event planners to think deeper than just booking a DJ and setting up a bar,” Ebuka says. “Every aspect of the experience matters.” Challenges and Lessons Building Vogueboys hasn’t been easy. Ebuka admits that one of the biggest challenges has been doing it all without major backing. “We’ve had to self-fund everything from the beginning,” he tells Ekpo Nigeria. “And even though it’s not profitable yet, we keep going.” Staying ahead is also a challenge. “Every time we bring out a new idea, someone copies it in no time,” Ebuka laughs. “But I don’t mind. It keeps the scene alive and pushes us to think even harder.” Despite the obstacles, Vogueboys has already made a noticeable impact. “If you look at pool parties now, people are more likely to get in the water,” Ebuka points out. “You’ll see water guns at events, and there’s more effort in making parties feel like experiences. Those things weren’t common before 2021.” The Road Ahead Ebuka has big dreams for Vogueboys. “We’re working towards becoming the biggest exporter of Nigerian entertainment and youth culture,” he says. He also wants Vogueboys to create a structure that makes it easier for independent artists and brands to tour Nigeria. “We want to help them connect with the right audiences across the country through unique events.” With their fearless spirit and commitment to staying ahead, Vogueboys is not just a passing trend. They are changing how Nigerians think about nightlife, setting new standards for creativity and inclusivity. Ebuka’s vision is clear: create a space where people feel free to express themselves, where creativity thrives, and where anyone can join the rave. As the nightlife scene in Nigeria keeps evolving, Vogueboys is leading the charge with events that are bold, exciting, and truly original. Whether it’s a sweaty cookout or an underground rave, they are proving that Nigerian nightlife is much more than just music and drinks—it’s a whole vibe.