When you hear “event organiser,” you probably imagine someone with a clipboard, a walkie-talkie, and maybe a meltdown waiting to happen. But that’s not Adey Royal. Or at least, he doesn’t show it.
Yaya Adeyemi, popularly known as Adey Royal has been in the game since 2021, curating events that are heavy on vibes and high on execution. From Lagos chaos to campus madness, he’s seen it all, fixed it all, and somehow made it look easy. But behind every picture perfect moment is a checklist, a backup plan, and sometimes, a hotel owner crashing a party.
In this interview, Adey Royal keeps it real about what it takes to pull off great events, the pressure no one talks about, and what he’d do if given a blank cheque to plan the wildest party.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “event”? Chaos? Vibes? Budget? Be honest.
Budget.
People often say it depends on the crowd and the vibes they bring. But truthfully, money is what makes the vibe even possible. Your budget determines the quality of activities, decor, experience, and even the kind of people that show up and show out. So yes, budget first. Always.
How did you get into event organising? Were you dragged in, or did you wake up and say, “This is what I enjoy”?
It wasn’t a grand revelation. I just started. I saw how much I enjoyed curating vibes, managing people, and bringing ideas to life, so I kept going. Now, it’s more than work, it’s passion.
What’s your personal event-day ritual? Something you must do before every event starts.
I run a full 3D mental preview of the event—from start to finish. It’s like watching a movie in my head. That way, I can spot what hasn’t been done, fix potential issues before they arise, and prepare myself for any curveballs.
Give us the real tea: what’s the most dramatic thing that’s happened while planning or running an event?
Twice, during parties I organised at a hotel, the owners randomly jumped in mid-event to make a dramatic Dorime toast. Imagine the chaos: security almost moved them until we realised they owned the place. Turns out they were enjoying the party too much and just wanted to join in.
What part of event planning stresses you the most, and how do you deal with it without fighting every vendor and partner?
The stress hits hardest when something that was already in motion suddenly flops. For instance, like a vendor cancelling at the last minute. But even then, I don’t lose my cool. I’ve learned to manage emotions and stay solution-focused. No screaming matches. Just quick, calm thinking and Plan B on standby.
Lagos events vs. Campus events: Which one is wilder, and why?
Lagos events are vibe-wild, no doubt. But campus events? They’re pressure-wild. We’re expected to deliver the same energy under tighter restrictions, limited resources, and way more unpredictability. It’s like performing magic with one hand tied.
You’ve probably seen everything at events. What’s one moment that genuinely made you emotional or proud?
Standing in front of a happy, cheering crowd after a successful event always gives me goosebumps. But it hits differently when I catch a glimpse from backstage and see people dancing, vibing, and my friends hyping me for pulling it all together. That’s pride right there.
What’s one tool, app, or random item you can’t survive without when planning events?
My Notes app.
It’s my second brain. From checklists to last-minute vendor contacts, it holds everything. Plus, it keeps my phone glued to me at events—two birds, one app.
Two lies and one truth. Let’s play.
Money is all you need to plan an event.
You can plan an event in three days.
Event planning is not a one-man job.
Your guess?
Well, I think that there are two truths and one lie here. The only lie here is the first.
If you could redesign how people experience ticketing at events, what’s one change you’d make?
As much as I’d love to spill, this idea isn’t free. Let’s just say, it would revolutionise the process.
What’s one challenge event organisers face that nobody really talks about but should?
The settling drama. Depending on the location, you often have to “settle” a bunch of unnecessary hands just to let your event breathe. It’s exhausting and unspoken, but real.
If FunZ gave you a blank cheque and said “Plan the craziest event ever,” what’s the theme, location, and headliner? Go mad.
Nigerian Rave Party.
Anywhere open and wild. I’d go crazy with lights that dance to the beat, hypnotic visuals, and of course, free alcohol.