Summer for Africans in Saint Petersburg, Nigerians in particular, might not have been completely fun without the celebration of Philip Riches’ birthday. Africans and Russians who love African entertainment packed the street of Vernosti in Saint Petersburg to celebrate a Nigerian who has worked hard and continues to represent his continent in Russia. Afro News covered this event exclusively.
The birthday was celebrated on the 8th of August so that more friends could attend, though the actual birthday falls on the 6th.
The event brought together Africans from across the continent. Ghanaians, Mozambicans, Congolese, and others were represented to celebrate the moment with Philip. African musicians from within Saint Petersburg and from Moscow, such as Prada Brazino and Triggah, alongside DJs and hypemen, were present to light up the night with Afrobeats. The event was also attended by African businessmen, investors, and community leaders. Special recognition was given to the contestants of Miss Queen Saint Petersburg, who were also in attendance.
Philip Riches is a Nigerian, born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. He has been representing his country in various spheres, such as serving as the Social Director of the Nigerian community in Saint Petersburg, and working with other Afro businesses to grow together in a foreign land. He is popularly known as “Coach” due to his passion for football. He owns an African football club, Black Diamond, in Saint Petersburg. According to him, anyone interested and passionate about the game can reach out to join the team. When asked what he hopes to achieve in the coming years, he stated: “I hope to get my coaching certification from Estonia within the next two years. I was unable to get the global recognition due to the sanctions.”
In an exclusive interview with Afro News, Philip shared his experience in Russia. “Believe in yourself, and don’t be intimidated,” he said. He further encouraged everyone to learn the Russian language, describing it as an essential tool for rising to the top in Russia. He also extended his appreciation to everyone who turned up for him.
Presence of Businesses Owned by Africans in Saint Petersburg

The celebrant, Philip Riches, witnessed the coming together of entertainers, businessmen, students, and investors, all representing the growing influence of Africans in Saint Petersburg, and Russia at large. Among them were representatives from Srazu Company and Vova Kitchen. Triggah, one of the Moscow-based performers, revealed to Afro News that Riches is more than a brother. “I left a show in Moscow to be in Peters for Riches. He deserves my presence, no matter what,” he said. According to Brazino, “Riches is a real brother who always turns out for others. I just had to be available for this show.” Both Triggah and Brazino agreed that the Afro entertainment industry in Saint Petersburg is impressive and encouraging. They encourage more talents to come on board.
The director of Srazu Entertainment, who had been with Philip for years in the entertainment industry before moving into fintech and real estate, also appreciated Philip’s honesty and friendliness throughout. “Philip is a brother from another mother. I cannot joke with him. Together with Philip, there are things I have been able to achieve, and we still have a lot in the pipeline for the Afro entertainment industry in Peters, neighboring cities, and across Russia,” he said. AfroNews captured extended conversations with Triggah, Brazino, and the director of Srazu, peeling back the layers on their journeys in Russia’s entertainment scene, stories we will continue to unfold in our coverage.
Events like these are more than parties; they are places to connect and build networks. They do not just strengthen the bond of coming from the same continent, but they also sell and promote your ideas, skills, and talents among fellow Africans and lovers of African culture.
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Afro News covers such events to promote and encourage the growth and development of Africans, even in the diaspora. Do you have an event you want to share with the world? Reach out to us. Let us cover your shows and tell stories that truly represent Africans.





















