Lagos, Nigeria – In celebration of a decade of cultural influence and artistic empowerment, Make Music Nigeria has unveiled its plans for the 2025 edition of World Music Day. This milestone year promises to deliver a compelling mix of creativity, education, and community-building through a nationwide celebration of music.
As the Nigerian chapter of the global Fête de la Musique movement, Make Music Nigeria will host this landmark event in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, with critical support from the French Embassy in Nigeria. The initiative reflects a shared vision of music as a catalyst for unity and cultural exchange.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at Alliance Française de Lagos, where organizers outlined a dynamic agenda focused on nurturing talent, enhancing industry knowledge, and promoting collaboration within the creative sector.
Festival Highlights and Key Events
Central to the 2025 celebration is a two-day festival beginning on June 20 with a Music Business Conference. The conference will explore pivotal topics such as music streaming, intellectual property rights, branding, and entertainment law. The goal is to equip emerging musicians and industry professionals with tools to build resilient, long-term careers in music.
This forum will feature influential voices from across the music ecosystem, including top executives, A&Rs, and cultural thought leaders, in a space designed to bridge the industry knowledge gap and inspire the next generation of creatives.
On June 21, the celebration culminates in the Shutdown Concert, a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s musical diversity. The concert will feature live performances from rising stars and acclaimed artists alike, including legendary Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga, celebrated soul-pop artist Johnny Drille, and gospel sensation Gaise Baba.
Adding an international flair to the evening is a special set by DJ Baddest from Côte d’Ivoire. Her performance will blend Afrobeats with Francophone West African sounds, highlighting music’s transcultural nature and its power to transcend borders.
A Global Chorus for Unity
One of the signature features of this year’s edition is Nigeria’s involvement in the international ‘Taking Flight’ Choir Project. Choirs from eight countries will deliver a synchronized rendition of Bob Marley’s classic Three Little Birds, underscoring the global language of music and its ability to inspire hope and solidarity.
Reflections and Partnerships
Reflecting on the event’s evolution, the Director of Make Music Nigeria noted how the platform has grown from a simple celebration into a nationwide movement that empowers artists, strengthens communities, and deepens the bond between music and the Nigerian public.
Longtime partners Alliance Française de Lagos and the French Embassy have played a crucial role in this growth, offering cross-cultural insights, resources, and unwavering support. Their involvement continues to elevate the festival’s global reach and enrich its cultural substance.
The French Embassy’s cultural officer emphasized the importance of celebrating Fête de la Musique beyond France’s borders and praised the inclusion of francophone artists in this year’s edition, describing it as a meaningful extension of cultural diplomacy.
Expanding the Reach: A Nationwide Movement
This year’s edition marks a significant expansion, with activities planned across six Nigerian cities. This growth reflects Make Music Nigeria’s commitment to decentralizing access to music and empowering local communities through art and culture.
According to representatives from the organizing teams in other cities, the expanded footprint is a strategic move to transform music into a unifying force that entertains, educates, and uplifts across all regions.
Since its founding in 2016, Make Music Nigeria has become one of the country’s most inclusive music initiatives—hosting over 300 events, featuring more than 3,000 artists, and reaching over one million people.
Looking Ahead
The 10th anniversary of Make Music Nigeria is not only a celebration of artistic expression but also a call to action for a more inclusive and sustainable music industry. With steadfast support from international partners, local collaborators, and an ever-growing audience, the platform continues to champion music as a transformative tool for national and cultural development.
