Tributes pour in as Boxout Fest's founder dies

"He made sure Birmingham had a strong community of young people who were charitable, helpful and knew how to have a good ole time," said friends as tributes poured in for the founder of Boxout Fest.

Ehi Oboite, known as DJ Buxley, was the mastermind behind the event which attracted thousands of people to the city and provided a platform for the celebration of black music and culture.

He died on Saturday at the age of 34 after privately suffering for four years from cancer.

"No matter how popular and influential he became, he was always so humble and encouraging for others to have their time to shine," said Shanequa Paris, Radio 1 and Newsround presenter.

The first Boxout Fest was held in Birmingham in 2023 with the aim of improving representation and creating new opportunities for musicians.

The annual event showcased genres such as Afrobeats and Dancehall, with revellers attending from as far afield as Ghana, Nigeria, Bermuda, Italy and the United States.

In a message prepared before his death, Buxley wrote: "The last four years we've done festivals, events, created community spaces and made space for you to enjoy life.

"We've made a change and I hope I've made a change to some of your lives somehow. I love you all."

Buxley's legacy stretches back to 2018, when he launched Boxout Sundays, a monthly day party in Digbeth which combined party games and music.

The following year, the London-based DJ who moved to the city after studying at Aston University, made headlines after setting up Boxout Jam Sessions but scrapped the entrance fee and instead encouraged attendees to bring unwanted clothes to be donated to rough sleepers.

Andre 'Dre' Bailey, 34, one of his closest friends said: "Buxley believed deeply in Birmingham and its people. He believed the talent was already here. It just needed connection, opportunity and somebody willing to cultivate it.

"He wanted to build a city where Black culture, creativity and spaces could thrive, and where people didn't feel they had to go elsewhere to become what they could be.

"I thought we'd walk through life shoulder to shoulder. That's the hardest part. I've lost family."

Yaa Sarah, his girlfriend, added: "Running Boxout together was a huge part of our relationship. We weren't just partners in life; we were partners in what we were building. We shared the pressure, the late nights, the problems, the wins and the vision."

"Buxley represented the change we wanted to see," said Birmingham beauty influencer Shantania Beckford.

"To me, he was an example of what it truly means to use your influence for something bigger than yourself."

More than 6,000 people attended last year's two-day festival with many artists praising the DJ and entrepreneur for helping to create opportunities for emerging talent.

Musician Affife said in tribute: "Thank you for believing in me, in us and this city - the legacy you've left has touched so many, you will never be forgotten. Will miss you dearly"

Former colleague Belinda Kaur, 30, added: "To many, he was the founder of Boxout. To us, he was a brother, a creative, a father, a man of God and a true leader.

"Though his legacy may look different now, we will make sure his love and kindness lives on in everything he created, carried forward by the people who truly loved and cared for him."

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