The French Institute Marks World Music Day 2025 With Vibrant Festival

Mary Nnah

The French Institute of Nigeria celebrated World Music Day 2025 yesterday by lighting up Abuja with an enchanting display of live music, captivating the audience and showcasing the power of music to bring people together.

They also 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.

The event showcased musical talent, which amplified the rich cultural landscape of Nigeria. Attendees were treated to electrifying performances, beginning with the alternative sounds and impressive guitar work of Jarell Ebuka, Odenose, Cef Ashanta and DJ Burna who electrified the crowd and kept spirits high.

Lucille Hadadd, the deputy director, commended 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.”

A talent manager, Ife ‘Diran, who spoke at the event, praised the French network’s dedication to supporting Nigerian 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, Odenose Dele-Damisa, commended the French Institute and French Embassy and her Abuja for their warm reception of her unique music genre stressing the need for musical diversity.

She urged show promoters and music sponsors to increase the development of more live music shows to allow for a direct connection between performers and their audiences.