Where Side Street Boyz began
Side Street Boyz has been changing lives for two years. Our programmes and our advocacy work has travelled the world.
It all started in 2020, with three Nigerian students entering a competition.
Their goal? To provide artistic and musical opportunities for people in developing countries.
Fidelis Michel, Abraham Chuks and Philip Ogiamien were determined to create a sound that put the user at the heart of music. It had to be robust, affordable and made using materials that could be locally sourced. It had to be supportive for the needs of those with lack of finance, education and opportunity.
The trio took their own music a step further. Fidelis, Abraham and Philip travelled around Nigeria and they recorded their first song with support from CES Entertainment Group, a local UK organisation.
Seeing first-hand how quickly music could transform a life, they were easily persuaded to develop their work further.
In 2020, the team of three started Side Street Boyz. A new sound of music began.
Taking things global
Over the next 2 years, the growing team lent their expertise to organisations across Africa and the UK.
Learning all the time from people listening to their music, the band became experts in writing music for different bodies, needs, and environments. But, vitally, they’ve also realised how important it is to provide opportunities with proper assessment.
Side Street Boyz wanted to share this knowledge and raise standards for musicians and artists across the sector. So in 2021, they worked with the NiG Media Radio station to publish their new tracks. This would guarantee their aims to ensure that people in developing countries don't just get an opportunity to record music, but they get the right information, guidance and support, in the right way.
Getting noticed
Another exciting opportunity arose in late 2021 when the band gained a spot on the Museboat playlist. Their vision was to make music more inclusive to those in developing countries. Since then their new African Hip Hop sound have opened up the world of music to thousands of people worldwide.
Side Street Boyz today
Side Street Boyz now produces a whole range of high-quality music in developing countries.
They also provide training to artists and technicians to work with the right equipment for specific needs and environments.
Side Street Boyz run peer training so someone who is new to the music world can learn about creating their own independent work.
Side Street Boyz support communities to understand their rights and how to tackle stigma and discrimination as a black artist in developing countries.
They collaborate with global, national, local partners, to international non-profits.
Side Street Boyz aim to influence the way African Music development is understood by governments, communities and individuals.
They use innovative design to create programmes that put black artists from developing countries at the heart of everything they do.
They're proud to play a part in making music accessible to all. Side Street Boyz has touched the lives of black people around the globe.
They’re just as committed to giving people the opportunities and support they need to build a music career.
They’ve come a long way, but they’ve still got a lot to do...
Philip Ogiamien Fidelis Michel
Abraham Chuks
Full Name: Onuorah Abraham Chuks
Age: 27
Origin: Abia
Nationality: Nigerian
Interest: Music, Football and Reading.
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Artist
Stage Nam: Saint
Onuorah Chuks Abraham was born at Enugu town on 26 September, 1994. His music career began as a church boy playing drums at the age of 10 years, joining the praise team in the church. His passion grew leading him to release 2 albums titled "The Great God" and "God is the treasure that I seek". He has passion for writing songs before he joined the Side street boyz Band.
Full Name: Okafor Fidelis Michel
Age: 23
Status: Single
Origin: Anambra
Nationality: Nigerian
Interest: Music, Football, Movies
Occupation: Artist (instrumentalist)
Stage Name: Tallest
Fidelis Michel originates from Anambra State, Nigeria.. Born November 28, 1998, he had a love music from his early days in secondary school which helped Fidelis to learn instruments such as Keyboard, Guitar and Drums. He has been involved with several bands both in local churches and his local area.
Full Name: Osazuwa Philip Ogiamien
Origin: Edo State
Nationality: Nigerian
Age: 26
Interest: Music, Football and Travelling
Occupation: Artist/ Sound Engineer
Stage Name: (Double Save)
Phillip Ogiamien was born May 10 1995. He has had love for music from early childhood. His first musical performance was at the age of ten in church which was a solo effort performing with the piano.
Phillip Ogiamien released an album titled: The Genesis.
