UK-Based, Nigeria Born Mxtagold and Mayne Cross perform at Nomad Friendz’s Radio Show

By Wale Oloworekende

On 17 August 2025, Svara Radio, the alternative and independent radio station based in Liverpool, streaming from the creative hub in the Baltic Triangle, Merseyside, UK, played host to a dynamic and engaging Nomad Friendz radio show featuring Nigerian born but United Kingdom based Balor, Mxtagold, and Mayne Cross. This wasn’t just another slot in the station’s schedule, it was a gathering of creative forces with shared histories, musical roots, and evolving sounds.

As Nigerian artists, Mxtagold and Mayne Cross carried the unmistakable spirit of Naija sound, bringing Afrobeats into the airwaves and showing once again that even though they are no longer based in Nigeria, they continue to carry it proudly across borders.

The Nomad Friendz show, owned and curated by Balor, one of the innovative minds pushing the African Electronic flag, took to the airwaves in the evening hours of that day for a live DJ set and artist showcase. Mxtagold stepped behind the decks to deliver a set of tracks like Resona, Drums of Gold, and his collaboration with Balor, Peace of Mind. Mayne Cross joined in by sharing his own songs, remixes, and collaborations, with both artists also reflecting on their creative journeys in conversation. Each track carried Nigerian rhythm traditions, from Afrohouse’s percussive roots to Lagos’s street-inspired sound reinterpreted for a global audience. The atmosphere was energetic, with a sense of both musical passion and roots-conscious reflection, something listeners have come to expect from Svara Radio’s residents and guests.

The pairing itself was significant. Balor, who has long championed Afro Electronics music through Nomad Friendz, has worked with Mxtagold in the past, forming part of the creative network that drives shows like this and extends into production, performance, and artistic direction. That shared history meant there was both chemistry in the air and a genuine musical understanding underpinning the set. Together, Balor, Mxtagold, and Mayne Cross are shaping Afrobeats  far beyond Nigeria’s borders, carrying the sound into new spaces while keeping it rooted in their identity.

Mayne Cross, who released his Perfect Timing EP in mid-2024 and is recognized for his emotionally resonant style blending English and Nigerian Pidgin, brought a unique personal energy to the airwaves. His approach is more than performance, it is storytelling rooted in Naija identity. Even in his fashion and stage presence, he waves the Nigerian flag proudly, blending global influences with the unmistakable Nigerian character.

For Mxtagold, the moment was equally important. As a music artist, producer and DJ with roots in electronic, Afrohouse, and textured rhythms, his presence on Nomad Friendz continued a pattern of pushing genre boundaries while honouring creative heritage. He has consistently carried Afrobeats and Afroelectric culture forward, infusing international stages with percussion-rich grooves, layered electronic textures, and narrative-driven soundscapes. This night was one of the many times he has taken Afrobeats outside Nigeria and reintroduced it with a fresh perspective for new audiences.

Svara Radio itself has become a home for independent DJs and artists, supporting a variety of genres and creative voices, broadcasting live daily and hosting numerous resident DJs and special shows. The Baltic Triangle in Liverpool serves as its physical and creative base, underlining a commitment to community, culture, and alternative music. Over the years, the station has built a reputation as a cultural hub for Liverpool’s independent scene, supporting emerging artists, hosting special features, and delivering curated musical journeys.

In that light, the Nomad Friendz show fit organically, a curated segment with a strong artistic vision rooted in creative collaboration and cultural pride. It offered live connection, both through sound and conversation, with listeners in Liverpool and beyond via streaming and mix archives.

The night of 17 August stood out because of the shared history between Balor and Mxtagold, which set the stage for a trust-based creative environment. With Mayne Cross’s introspective lyrical narratives and recorded tracks alongside Mxtagold’s textured DJ and producer soundscapes, the show allowed for a rich, layered broadcast that blended Afrobeats, Afroelectric spirit, and Nigerian cultural storytelling. For listeners, the show offered not just a mix of music, but a moment of conversation, identity, artistic lineage, and energy.

The Nomad Friendz show, curated by Balor with performances by Mxtagold and Mayne Cross, was more than a broadcast. It was a snapshot of artistic partnership, musical evolution, and cultural expression. Beyond entertainment, their appearance highlighted the cultural exchange between Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK, a reminder of how Nigerian music continues to travel, influence, and connect audiences across borders. From Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat legacy to today’s cross-continental collaborations, artists like Mxtagold and Mayne Cross continue to embody Nigeria’s role as a cultural powerhouse shaping global sound.