…As Make Music returns to celebrate 8th edition of world Music Day
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Organisers of the Make Music Lagos has announced that the 2023 edition, kicks off across Lagos and other Nigerian cities (Nigerian cities, like Abuja, Uyo,Kaduna, Benin, Ilorin, Ibadan, Owerri,Ebonyi and many other cities of the nation to commemorate the global celebration of World Music Day.
The event is slated for 13th June till 25th June 2023 with a host of free concerts, open mic nights and other exciting music-related events (Learn to Play, Learn to DJ, Music Business Conference, Songwriting and Artiste Bootcamps etc.) to electrify music fans.
The announcement was made recently in Lagos at a well-attended press conference organized by Make Music Nigeria, the organisation saddled with the responsibility of overseeing Make Music Day celebrations in Nigeria, and its partners (Showgear, Zannoza Entertainment, YouTube, Schullz66, MTN and with support from TuneCore and Slice Media.
The event, which is held in commemoration of the World Music Day 21st of June, is now in its 8th consecutive year in Nigeria, and promises to be extra special as it also marks the 41st anniversary of the establishment of the global celebration which was first celebrated as Fête de la Musique in Paris in 1982 under the direction Jack Lang (then Minister of Culture of France) and Maurice Fleuret.
Team Lead, Make Music Nigeria, Adeola Akinyemi had this to say, “We are excited to be back for another edition of this landmark celebration.
“This year we seek to unite Nigerians through the power of music. As it has become the Nigerian standard, Make Music Nigeria will be presenting a week-long festival of musical events across major cities in Nigeria which would see various individuals, organizations and groups organize various Make Music Day events in their communities. So everyone that has the desire and capacity to host a music event is welcome to reach out to the Make Music Nigeria team to register their event and get the necessary support.
Akinyemi added that the festivities start on the 13th of June, with” My song is your song and run through the entire week all the way to the 25th of June.
Explaining the lineup of this year’s event: she said June 13th is with 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. “Artistes will then produce a cover of each other’s song and post the cover on the World Music Day, June 21 online. This initiative allows for international collaboration of artistes to try out new songs and new languages.
Also,on June 15th, is the Music Business Conference that would be, hosted by Jewel Aeida with the theme ‘Win-Win; Partnerships: Exploring Collaborative Opportunities’
Akinyemi added that with a mission of uniting music and business through talent showcase and collaboration, this year’s edition, would be laced with star-studded performances, immersive workshops, and insightful panel discussions on issues that would benefits all stakeholders within and outside the music industry.
As the eight edition, kicks off from June 13 to 25,renowned experts would share insights and discuss how stakeholders in the industry and other related industries can collaborate and create mutual growth and benefits.
Some of the panelists includes, COO- Mavin Records, Tega Ogehnejobo; Managing Director, Sony Publishing, Godwin Tom; Executive Director, Anchor Insurance, Ebose Osegha; Founder/CEO, Soundhalla, David Igbokwe; Entertainment Lawyer, Yemisi Falaye; Movie Director and Producer, Jade Osiberu; Music Producer, Cobhams Asuquo; Music Consultant and Curator, Shola (Shullz) Mogaji, amongst others.
“Pop-Up-Worship, a gospel concert, follows at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. A rich line of artistes such as Spirit of Prophecy, Anendlessocean, Sinmidele, Neon Adejo, MagPsalm, Spirit of David, Gospel Force amongst others are set to perform.
The ShutDown concert, which is the grand finale will hold on the 25th of June at Muson Centre with a line up of artistes.
Akinyemi, revealed during the brief that the annual event is aimed at 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. This year’s edition of Make Music Lagos will feature a diverse array of events, including concerts, open-mic sessions, music production workshops, and street performances spread across Lagos. Emerging and established artists from various genres will grace the stages, captivating audiences with their soul-stirring melodies, infectious rhythms, and electrifying performances.
“The festival would bring together music lovers, industry professionals, and artists alike, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and growth. We especially thank our partners who have collaborated with us to make this edition a success. Their support and involvement will undoubtedly elevate the festival to new heights, enabling us to showcase the incredible talent and creativity that Nigeria’s music scene has to offer. Together, we will celebrate the power of music and nurture a thriving industry,” she said.