PG Records has thrown its weight behind the 10th anniversary of the Bolé Festival, underscoring its commitment to Port Harcourt's creative culture. The festival, held from September 4 to 6 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, brought together thousands of attendees under the theme "A Decade of Fire."
A Decade of Food, Music, and Community
The Bolé Festival has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from a celebration of the city's beloved bolé—roasted plantain traditionally served with fish and pepper sauce—into a broader cultural platform. It now showcases Port Harcourt's rising influence in Nigeria's creative economy, drawing food vendors, creatives, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts for three days of entertainment and community bonding.
The record label's presence was felt through its artists, including Selo, whose live performance became a standout moment, connecting PG Records' growing music roster with the festival's diverse audience. Other notable performers included Timaya, Mavo, Duncan Mighty, David Hart, Peruzzi, and Guchi, who was the only female artist on the lineup.
PG Records' Vision for Emerging Talent
Perelade Dimanche, General Manager of PG Records, spoke about the label's involvement in the landmark edition. He said the partnership reflected PG Records' belief in the power of culture to create opportunities for emerging talent, which strongly aligns with the vision of the label's founder.
"Bolé Festival represents so much of what makes Port Harcourt special—the food, the music, the people, and the sense of community," Dimanche said. "For PG Records, supporting the 10th edition was a natural fit because we believe in creating and supporting platforms where our artists and other young creatives can connect with audiences and be part of meaningful cultural moments. We are proud to have contributed to this milestone and excited about what it means for the future of Port Harcourt's creative ecosystem."
Festival Growth and Economic Impact
The significance of the tenth anniversary extends beyond the celebration itself. According to festival organisers, the event has grown to more than 35,000 attendees, 200 vendors, and 50 artists, highlighting the scale of the platform and its growing role in Port Harcourt's cultural and commercial landscape.
PG Records' support of the milestone edition comes at a significant moment. As Nigerian music continues to expand globally, the infrastructure supporting artists at home remains crucial. Festivals provide a direct bridge between artists and audiences while creating opportunities for brands and creative companies to invest in the communities from which much of Nigeria's culture emerges.
A Shared Creative Ecosystem
The partnership between PG Records and Bolé Festival reflects a shared ecosystem: music meeting culture, brands meeting community, and emerging talent meeting an audience. As Bolé Festival enters its second decade, PG Records' involvement signals a continued commitment to supporting the platforms and people helping to shape the next chapter of Nigeria's creative story.
