The French Institute in Nigeria has committed to supporting local artists, emphasising the importance of providing more platforms to connect with their audiences and derive reasonable benefits from their artistic endeavours.
Lucille Hadadd, Deputy Director of the French Institute, pledged during the recent celebration of World Music Day 2025, held at the vibrant Calypso Park in Wuse, Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
The event showcased a diverse array of musical talent, highlighting Nigeria’s rich cultural landscape. Attendees were treated to a series of captivating performances, beginning with Jarell Ebuka’s alternative sounds and impressive guitar work.
The evening continued with Odenose’s thought-provoking and socially conscious music. Subsequently, Cef Ashanta took the stage, delivering a soul-soothing rendition that provided a moment of tranquillity amid the energetic performances.
In her address, Lucille Hadadd praised Nigeria’s remarkable resilience and cultural vibrancy, highlighting the distinctive qualities that make Nigerian music a unique and invaluable part of the global music scene.
She reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to fostering artistic exchanges and nurturing the creative talents that thrive within Nigeria, aiming to create opportunities that will amplify these voices on broader platforms. Such initiatives not only celebrate the rich heritage of Nigerian music but also position it firmly within the global cultural dialogue.
She explained, “World Music Day started in France in 1982, and has spread all over the world owing to the universal language of music. Promoting live music and giving Nigerian artists the right platform is really important for us.”
An Abuja talent manager, Ife ‘Diran, who spoke at the event, praised the institute’s dedication to supporting Abuja-based artists.
She highlighted that there is great potential for music development in Abuja, provided there are enhancements in both soft and physical infrastructure. This includes establishing more record labels, PR companies, and performance venues to foster artistic expression.
“For Abuja to get to that point, people have to be willing to come here and build, invest, pump in the resources required and fill up the knowledge gap as well. This will enable artists based in Abuja to grow into A-list and B-list artists,” she concluded.
Jarell Ebuka, one of the performing artists, expressed his gratitude to the French Embassy for providing a platform that showcases live and alternative music.
He encouraged the development of more performance spaces, ranging from large stadiums to intimate cafés, with dedicated stages for emerging artists as well as established musicians who thrive in smaller settings.