PARIS — Over 500 people filled the venue at Paris’ Shangri-La hotel from the moment the doors opened in the early evening, but it was Wizkid who truly got the party started with his intimate rendition of two of his biggest hits, “Ojuelegba” and “Essence”.

The Nigerian star, who has helped propel the Afrobeats genre to the global stage, carried the vibes directly over to the after-party, opening up the dance floor with his friends including American singer Brent Faiyaz, along with BoF founder and chief executive Imran Amed.

They were quickly joined by throngs of guests filtering in from the main stage area and the outdoor terrace which overlooked the glittering Eiffel Tower.

Dancing to the booming soundtrack of DJ Aymen, a long queue formed as people waited to make use of the photo booth provided by Chase Sapphire. The booth was especially a hit with the newest class of BoF 500 members. Loewe ambassadors Ayo Edeberi and Greta Lee squeezed in for a snap, as did New York-based PR Gia Kuan and Chinese publicist Bohan Qiu.

Many attendees also made the most of the Neft Vodka shot trolley which was circulating the afterparty, fuelling the event until its early morning close. The night played host to wholesome moments between colleagues, industry peers and friends, old and new.

“It’s always an honour being here, seeing all your peers and people that you admire,” said fashion commentator and BoF 500 member Bryan Yambao, known as Bryanboy, who wore a floral Balenciaga dress. “It’s more than a high school reunion type thing… it’s a fashion family reunion.”

The BoF 500 2024 is made possible by our partners Chase Sapphire Reserve, NEFT, Shop With Google, The Shangri-La Hotel and La Mode en Images.