Eli Fola with Niara Sterling, BL SUEDE & Guests

Gray Area presents Eli Fola (Hybrid Live) on June 6th at H0L0 Yard in New York, delivering a special open-air performance from 3PM–10PM that brings together Afro-centric electronic music, live instrumentation, and forward-thinking club sounds. Joining him is NYC talent Niara Sterling, BL SUEDE, and local talent La'Dell.

Eli Fola is a Nigerian-born, New York–based multidisciplinary sound artist, DJ, producer, and saxophonist known for creating Yoruba Tech Soul, a hybrid style that blends AfroHouse, techno, jazz, and classical elements. His performances combine electronic production with live saxophone, creating a powerful live experience that connects African musical traditions with contemporary dance music.

Over the years, Fola has performed at major cultural events including Burning Man, Art Basel Miami, and global club stages alongside artists such as Black Coffee, Pablo Fierro, and Audiofly. His work has also crossed into the worlds of art and fashion, collaborating with Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ No Commission, as well as creative projects connected with brands like Dr. Martens and Chanel.

Fola is also the founder of Tech Afrique, a creative studio, label, and event platform launched in 2016 that focuses on Afro-centric electronic music while providing opportunities for underrepresented BIPOC artists. Through events, releases, and collaborations, Tech Afrique has become a growing cultural platform connecting music, art, and community.

Niara Sterling is a New York City based DJ and producer originally from Northern Virginia. She has performed at standout venues including The Brooklyn Mirage and Casablanca, and has toured internationally, including work as Talib Kweli’s DJ and emcee. Her collaborations span a wide range of artists such as Aluna, Ari Lennox, Ghostface Killah, Major League DJz, Mary J. Blige, Moses Sumney, Talib Kweli, and Walshy Fire, and she has shared stages with names like DJ Maphorisa, Jazzy Jeff, Kabza De Small, and Virgil Abloh.

Beyond the booth, Niara has partnered with brands like BACARDÍ, Burberry, and Everyday People, delivering live sets and curated musical moments. Known for her ability to read a room and shape an atmosphere, she brings a thoughtful and culturally grounded perspective to every performance.

Joining Eli Fola is BL SUEDE (Brandon Lucas), an Inglewood, CA-born electronic soul, house artist, producer, and DJ whose sound draws from R&B and gospel roots. His music blends soulful vocals with club-focused house, highlighted by releases like “Got That Hope” featuring Dr. Cornel West.

The track launched his imprint Purple Label Sound, a platform dedicated to supporting underrepresented artists in electronic music. With remixes from names like Seven Davis Jr., Seth Troxler, and OVEOUS, BL SUEDE continues to build a strong presence across the global house scene.

This special hybrid live performance at H0L0 Yard showcases Fola’s signature fusion of rhythm, live instrumentation, and electronic production in an outdoor setting designed for music lovers looking for something beyond the typical club show.

Expect an afternoon and evening of AfroHouse, techno grooves, and live musical improvisation from one of the most exciting artists blending electronic music with live performance today.