The much-anticipated annual music festival, Make Music Lagos, is back for its eighth edition, running from June 13 to 25, and promises to deliver its biggest and most exciting event yet. At a press briefing on Tuesday, the festival organizers revealed a star-studded lineup, immersive workshops, and insightful panel discussions that aim to foster collaboration and partnerships within and beyond the music industry.
The festival kicked off with ‘My Song is Your Song’, a global initiative where music creators from around the world participate in a song swap, covering each other’s songs and posting them online on World Music Day, June 21. This unique initiative fosters international collaboration, allowing artists to experiment with new genres and languages.
On June 15, a Music Business Conference hosted by Jewel Aeida explored the theme ‘Win-Win Partnerships: Exploring Collaborative Opportunities.’ Industry experts shared insights on how stakeholders from various industries can collaborate for mutual growth. Featured panelists included notable figures such as Tega Ogehnejobo (COO of Mavin Records), Godwin Tom (MD of Sony Publishing), and Cobhams Asuquo (Music Producer), among others. The conference aimed to serve as a platform for emerging artists, professionals, and music enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions about the evolving music industry.
The festival continued on June 16 with the ‘Pop-Up Worship’ gospel concert held at the University of Lagos main auditorium, featuring performances by Spirit of Prophecy, Neon Adejo, Gospel Force, and other gospel artists. The grand finale, The ShutDown Concert, is set for June 25 at the Muson Centre, where a lineup of top artists will deliver electrifying performances.
Adeola Akinyemi, Project Lead for Make Music Lagos, emphasized the festival’s unifying power, stating, “Make Music Lagos is a melting pot of unity and harmony, transcending barriers of language, culture, and background, while showcasing Nigerian culture to the world.”
This year’s edition will offer a diverse range of events, including concerts, open-mic sessions, music production workshops, and street performances. Both emerging and established artists from various genres will grace the stages, captivating audiences with their performances. The festival aims to bring together music lovers, industry professionals, and artists, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and growth in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.