French Embassy, Alliance Francaise de Lagos, and others have partnered Make Music Lagos, for its ninth yearly celebration of the World Music Day.
The commemoration, which is held from June 13 to 21 has a line up of star-studded performances, immersive workshops, and insightful panel discussions on collaborations and partnerships that can have immense benefits to all stakeholders within and outside the music industry.
Other partners include Showgear Limited, Zannoza Entertainment, Creative Cultura, Porch Music Box, Stage Africa Media, African Movie Channel, TraceTV, Hi-Impact TV, Vybz FM and Trace Gospel
Director, Alliance Française de Lagos, Marc Brebant, expressing excitement on the partnership said: “Fête de la Musique stemmed from a survey in France revealing a high number of citizens playing instruments, particularly young people, hence it aimed to inspire these individuals and others to take their instruments out and play, fostering a more musical society.
He noted that the goal is to make concerts accessible in order to break down barriers between audiences and music.
The global celebration of music known as Fête de la Musique, founded in France in 1982, has since grown to be celebrated in over 1,000 cities across 120 countries worldwide, including Lagos, Nigeria.
“By offering free concerts and encouraging public performances, Fête de la Musique makes music enjoyable for everyone, regardless of background or financial means,” he added.
Project Lead, Make Music Lagos, Adeola Akinyemi, said that the yearly event is unifying Nigerians through music, bringing people together from all walks of life, transcending barriers of language, culture, and background.
“Make Music Lagos is a melting pot of unity and harmony, showcasing Nigerian Culture to the World. Make Music Lagos is promoting Nigerian music and culture on a global stage, showing the world the vibrancy, talent, and creative spirit of our nation through this extraordinary music festival,” Akinyemi added.
She noted that the festival aims to bring together music lovers, industry professionals, and artists alike, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and growth.
The festival will feature My Song is Your Song, a global song swap in which music creators all across the world will swap songs based on interest or genre. Artists will then produce a cover of each other’s song and post the cover on the World Music Day, June 21 online.
On June 19th, Music Business Conference will be held at Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi with the theme “Music Without Borders: Navigating the Global Music Landscape.”
Renowned experts will share insights and discuss how stakeholders across industries can collaborate and create mutual growth and benefits. Co-Founder at Hypertek Digital/960 Music Group, Efe Omorogbe, is the keynote speaker.
For June 21st, Learn To Play will be held at Alliance Francaise de lagos. The goal is to provide a platform for individuals with interest in certain musical instruments to learn the basics in a fun way over a short session.
Meanwhile the grand finale of the Fête de la musique holds the same day at Onikan stadium, with pulsations, battle of band finale, mass appeal and music performances.
In a partnership between the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, the Arab World Institute, and the Make Music Alliance, musicians around the world will unite their music, and their hearts, through a rhythmic relay. Each band will perform a 10-minute set, ending with a heartbeat rhythm composed by renowned French-Lebanese trumpeter, Ibrahim Maalouf.
This rhythm will connect the performances across continents, symbolising the unity of the global music community, starting in New Zealand and traveling through Asia, Nigeria, America, Europe and ending in Paris. This unique event will showcase Nigerian music and culture on the global platform of the World Music Day. Nigeria is represented by Johnny Drille & Clayrocks and the music is produced by award winning producer; Rotimikeys.
The final round of the Battle of the Band will see the top 3 finalists; The Recurrence, D’Elite Men and Ikorodu Pleiadians battle for the top band position and the audience will vote for their favorite band.
The Mass Appeal performance will showcase 100 musicians performing original music created by French Producer; Fatbabs and Nigerian song writer; Johnny Drille. The Large ensemble will be directed by producer and music director StephAde.
The finale event will end with performances from talented artists like Khemmysings, Sunday Ekpo, FemiLeye and many more.
