The French Institute in Nigeria has made a strong commitment to enhancing support for local artists, emphasising the importance of providing more platforms through which they can successfully connect with their audiences and derive tangible benefits from their artistic endeavours.

This pledge was made by Lucille Hadadd, Deputy Director of the French Institute, during the recent celebration of World Music Day 2025, held at the vibrant Calypso Park in Wuse, Abuja.

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 the alternative sounds and impressive guitar work of Jarell Ebuka, who infused the atmosphere with his unique style. The evening continued with the thought-provoking and socially conscious music of Odenose, whose lyrics resonated deeply with the audience. Subsequently, Cef Ashanta took the stage, delivering a soul-soothing rendition that provided a moment of tranquillity amid the energetic performances. Rounding off the night was DJ Burna, whose mastery of the turntables electrified the crowd and kept spirits high.

In her address, Lucille Hadadd praised Nigeria’s remarkable resilience and cultural vibrancy, underscoring 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.

Ife highlighted that Abuja has great potential for music development, 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.

One of the performing artists, Jarell Ebuka, 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.