French Institute Uses World Music Day to Call for More Live Music Venues in Abuja

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the French Institute in Nigeria turned Abuja’s Team Compound into a stage of advocacy and celebration. The free concert, part of the global Fête de la Musique, drew music lovers, performers and cultural enthusiasts for a night of live performances and a clear message about the city’s need for more dedicated venues.

Executive Director Lucille Haddad opened the program by tracing World Music Day back to 1981, when former French Minister of Culture Jack Lang launched the celebration to encourage musicians to play freely in public spaces. She praised the rapid growth of Nigeria’s music industry and highlighted Abuja’s distinctive musical character. Haddad warned that the capital’s live‑music ecosystem still requires investment and visibility.

"What I’ve seen so far in Abuja is really interesting because the vibe is very different from Lagos," Haddad told the audience. "I’m really happy to see live music here in Abuja because that’s what I advocate for." She pointed out that the shortage of dedicated venues limits opportunities for artists to develop and showcase their craft.

Several performers echoed the call for a stronger infrastructure. Veteran Beninese DJ and music activist DJ Highfa praised Nigeria’s contribution to African music, noting the country’s rise from pioneers such as P‑Square and 2Baba to today’s globally celebrated Afrobeats movement. "Nigerian music is breaking barriers and is now internationally known," he said, adding that the French Institute’s efforts to connect people and cultures through music should be sustained.

Singer Yene highlighted the importance of platforms where audiences can discover fresh sounds and new talent. "I think Abuja is the next big thing for artists, so watch out," she added, noting that the city is gradually emerging as a major destination for musicians.

Dele Ayoola, who also spoke at the event, argued that while Nigerian music is thriving globally, many artists working outside mainstream genres still struggle for recognition. He urged industry stakeholders to create more opportunities beyond the dominant genres, calling for greater inclusivity of grassroots and alternative artists.

FIMI praised the French Institute for consistently providing platforms that allow emerging musicians to perform before new audiences, describing the institute’s commitment to live music as critical to the development of the next generation of artists.

Moshe, who shared his admiration for Abuja’s receptive music community, applauded the French Institute for supporting creative expression. He spoke passionately about his enduring love for classic R&B music, a genre that continues to influence his artistry.

The event ran from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and was part of the larger Fête de la Musique / World Music Day 2026 celebrations organized by the French Institute. The institute’s mission, as described in its public documents, is to promote French culture abroad through artistic exchanges and to support local cultural ecosystems.

While the French Institute did not announce specific funding or partnership plans, its advocacy aligns with ongoing discussions among Nigerian cultural policymakers about expanding the country’s live‑music infrastructure. The concert and accompanying speeches underscored the need for more live‑music venues in Abuja and for broader support of emerging artists, concluding with a call to action for local authorities, private investors and the broader community to invest in the capital’s music scene so it can match the vibrancy of Lagos and nurture the next wave of Nigerian talent.