Early Beginnings: Abeokuta’s Musical Prodigy
Babatunde Joseph Omolaja, better known as BTEN, embodies the classic rise of an underground talent turned hometown star. The Afro-fusion artist’s journey began over a decade ago in Abeokuta, where he started singing at the tender age of 10. Those early years saw BTEN honing his craft independently, blending hip-hop and R&B influences into what he calls a “Hyper Realistic” sound uniquely his own.
During his university days at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, BTEN was already recording music and had released three projects (the latest being The Beast In Me in 2022). Through it all, he remained unsigned to any major label, relying on a grassroots following built through local shows and authentic engagement with his community.
This organic, community-driven growth has been key to BTEN’s rise , from open-mic events in Abeokuta to headlining concerts in Ogun State, marking him as one of the region’s fastest-rising stars poised for the spotlight.
Independence Day in Sagamu: A Concert for the Community
BTEN (center, in white) and fellow performers energize the Sagamu crowd with a dynamic stage show. Sagamu’s Akarigbo Hall was packed wall-to-wall on the night of October 1, 2025, as fans poured in to witness their hometown hero live in concert.
Billed as the “Omo Ologo” concert – a name meaning “glorious child” in Yoruba – the event doubled as a celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and a triumphant homecoming for BTEN. Over a thousand fans filled the venue, waving Nigerian flags and chanting BTEN’s name in anticipation of a night to remember.
When the lights dimmed and the first beat dropped, the atmosphere became electric: BTEN burst onto the stage to deafening cheers, delivering a high-energy performance and belting out hit after hit to the delight of the crowd.
The setlist spanned his genre-blending catalog, from soulful R&B ballads to bass-thumping Afrobeats, each song punctuated by BTEN’s charismatic stage presence and heartfelt anecdotes about his journey. It wasn’t just a concert – it felt like a cultural moment for Sagamu, uniting people across generations in pride for one of their own.
Highlights of the “Omo Ologo” Concert:
A Sold-Out Crowd: Over 1,000 enthusiastic fans packed into Akarigbo Hall, turning the venue into a sea of lights and energy as Sagamu celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with BTEN.
Star-Studded Guest Performers:
BTEN was joined by a lineup of fellow rising stars. Guest artists like Mr Bee and T Famous, along with some of Ogun State’s finest creatives, hit the stage to support the homegrown talent. Their surprise appearances and collab performances amplified the night’s excitement and sense of unity.
Interactive Fan Experiences:
This concert was as much about the fans as the artist. Attendees enjoyed a glamorous red carpet pre-show, posed for photos, and participated in fun trivia games that tested their knowledge of BTEN’s lyrics and Nigerian music culture. Laughter and cheers filled the hall even before the main act, setting a festive mood.
BTEN’s Electrifying Performance:
The star of the show delivered in style. Backed by a live band and energetic dancers, BTEN gave an electrifying performance, mixing his well-known tracks with fresh unreleased material. He belted out song after song with palpable passion, often pausing to let the audience sing the choruses back to him. In one emotional moment, BTEN thanked the crowd for believing in him since his humble beginnings, bringing many in the audience to happy tears.
Community Vibes & Unity:
The entire night felt like a community block party elevated to concert scale. Friends, family, and even local dignitaries were spotted in the crowd. Whether it was youths dancing or elders nodding along, everyone was swept up in the music. The concert truly became “a celebration of music, entertainment, and community,” reminding all in attendance of “the power of talent and perseverance” when an artist stays true to his roots.
Hafrikplay’s Amplified Support & Documentary Release
Behind the scenes, BTEN’s independent success has been amplified by forward-thinking platforms that believe in grassroots talent. Hafrikplay, a pan-African music streaming startup, served as the official sponsor of the “Omo Ologo” concert – and they didn’t stop at just writing a check.
“At Hafrikplay, we’re more than sponsors , we’re curating the official playlist, powering trivia games, producing a documentary, and covering the red carpet,” the company COO, Abolaji Talib Alaka explained in the lead-up to the show. Indeed, Hafrikplay’s team was on-ground all evening, ensuring fans stayed engaged and every magical moment was captured on camera.
Working alongside local media partner The Crave Pod on the red carpet, they helped shine a spotlight on not only BTEN but also the vibrant Sagamu creative scene. “Because artists like BTEN deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” Hafrikplay noted, underscoring its mission to uplift emerging African acts.
This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with Hafrikplay’s ethos as a platform “created to give upcoming artists the spotlight they deserve”– BTEN being a prime example.
The result of this partnership is a full concert documentary that brings the “Omo Ologo” experience to the screen. Filmed in partnership with production house MillionDollar Ideas Ltd and edited to encapsulate the night’s energy, the documentary offers an intimate look at BTEN’s journey and the Sagamu community that nurtured his rise.
From backstage preparations and candid fan interviews to the on-stage fireworks, viewers get to relive every highlight. The documentary is now available exclusively on HafrikTV, Hafrikplay’s new video streaming platform, allowing a wider audience to feel the magic of that Independence Day concert. For BTEN, this is yet another milestone – a chance for his story to inspire others beyond the concert hall.
As BTEN’s momentum continues to build, one thing is clear: his bond with his home state remains at the heart of his artistry. In an era when many chase quick fame, BTEN’s steady, community-rooted climb is a refreshing reminder of the power of authenticity and local support. Ogun State has a new musical ambassador, and his name is BTEN, a once-underground kid from Abeokuta who lit up Sagamu with a concert for the ages.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this cultural moment yourself – the “BTEN Live in Sagamu: Omo Ologo Concert” documentary is streaming now on HafrikTV, and you can dive into BTEN’s genre-blending music on Hafrikplay. It’s time to press play on the rise of a star.
As BTEN’s momentum continues to build, one thing is clear: his bond with his home state remains at the heart of his artistry. In an era when many chase quick fame, BTEN’s steady, community-rooted climb is a refreshing reminder of the power of authenticity and local support. Ogun State has a new musical ambassador, and his name is BTEN — a once-underground kid from Abeokuta who lit up Sagamu with a concert for the ages.
🎥 Watch the full “BTEN Live in Sagamu: Omo Ologo Concert” documentary now on HafrikTV → https://tv.hafrik.com/v/NSOWv8
🎶 Stream BTEN’s music exclusively on Hafrikplay → https://hafrikplay.com/BTen
This is more than a moment.
This is the movement.
#BTENLive #HafrikplayAmplify #AmplifyAfrica