Music City Central Festival Holds Maiden Edition in Lagos

Music City Central Festival has successfully concluded its maiden edition in Lagos, cementing its position as a cornerstone of the city’s music, culture, and industry development.

In a demonstration of operational excellence, SpringBox Africa, organisers of the festival, delivered a world-class live experience, backed by top-tier stage production and technical execution, while celebrating the depth, diversity, and evolution of the African music landscape.

The two-day festival, which opened on 19 December at Orange Island, featured a carefully curated lineup of established and emerging African talent. Highlife duo The Cavemen delivered a powerful performance rooted in heritage and contemporary expression, closing day one on a high note. On the second day, Made Kuti demonstrated technical mastery, reaffirming his position within the distinguished Afrobeat tradition.

Representing the new wave of Afropop, Fave captivated the audience with her emotive vocals, while Qing Madi delivered a confident set that underscored her rising influence in the global industry. Fola added a distinct sonic layer to the festival, further highlighting the breadth of talent shaping Africa’s sound.

Beyond the live performances, Music City Central distinguished itself as a critical platform for industry advancement. The industry panels brought together leading voices to address pivotal topics, including royalties, artist management, and the future of African music commerce.

The impact of this dual focus was echoed by attendees. Titilayo, an aspiring songwriter, shared: “The level of professionalism here is on another level. I came for the music, but I stayed for the industry panels and the conversations. It feels like the festival actually cares about building a future for music, not just putting on a show. It’s been an amazing experience to connect with people who are as serious about this craft as I am.”

The festival tapped into the celebratory spirit of the season, amplifying its impact on entertainment and tourism in Lagos. The diverse lineup was rounded out by energised performances from Dunnie, Aniko, We Are All Chemicals, Shmurda, and Twixx, with the atmosphere kept high by DJ Lambo, Lats the DJ, and SL the DJ.

By bridging the gap between high-octane performance and high-level industry strategy, Music City Central has set a new benchmark for Lagos-based cultural institutions. Going into 2026, the festival’s focus remains on the artists who honour the stage and the fans who demand excellence.