The Abuja International Afrojazz Festival has taken a major on the global jazz scene following a landmark appearance at the prestigious Jazz à Vienne festival in France.
Representing Nigeria and West Africa, Tosin Salako, Co-Director of the Abuja festival, was part of an exclusive international delegation at the 2025 edition of the renowned French jazz gathering.
Salako’s participation was made possible through the support of the Institut Français du Nigeria and its headquarters in Paris. This builds on his earlier representation of Nigeria at Jazz Ahead in Germany in April. At Jazz à Vienne, he was one of only four African delegates, joined by counterparts from Asia, Australia, and South America a significant nod to Nigeria’s rising influence in global jazz conversations.
While in France, Salako joined a key panel discussion on the state of jazz music in Africa, with a particular spotlight on Nigeria. He spoke passionately about the depth of untapped jazz talent in the country and the need for greater visibility, infrastructure, and international exchange to support its growth.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the formation of a new regional alliance between the Abuja International Afrojazz Festival, Couleurs Jazz Festival in Benin, and the Togoville Jazz Festival in Togo. The three festivals have agreed to pool resources, collaborate on programming, and create touring circuits for artists across West Africa. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the region’s voice within the global jazz network and create more sustainable platforms for African artists.
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In addition to the panel and alliance, the Abuja team supported by the French Embassy and Institut Français held high-level meetings with French music industry stakeholders. These included festival programmers, label executives, and promoters. One of the direct outcomes is the confirmed participation of a Paris-based Senegalese artist in the upcoming 2025 Abuja festival a testament to the success of these international connections.
Further engagements extended to meetings with the Luxembourg Art Council and the European Jazz Network, where discussions focused on future collaborations, artist residencies, and joint performances. These efforts are set to unlock more opportunities for Nigerian jazz musicians across Europe.
With the festival returning from November 20–22, 2025, organisers are gearing up for the most ambitious edition yet. Audiences can expect a vibrant mix of live performances, international collaborations, and a powerful showcase of Afrojazz’s evolving sound.
The Abuja International Afrojazz Festival continues to be a dynamic force for Nigerian jazz, forging global links while celebrating the genre’s African roots and innovation.