On June 21, 2025, Make Music Lagos held its 11th edition to mark World Music Day. The event featured the SHUT DOWN concert with live performances by Chike, Johnny Drille, MI, and Gaise Baba. A highlight was the second Battle of the Bands finals, where three emerging bands competed for a N1 million prize.
This year’s event saw partnerships with the French embassy, Alliance française, and Fidelity Bank, aiming to expand support from corporate bodies. The conference held on June 20th included a music conference with a catalogue review, where songwriters and creators got feedback from A&R experts. An album listening party also took place, strengthening ties among artists.
The Battle of the Bands crowned Lovesick as the winner, taking home N1 million. ARB placed second with N500,000, while Young Crez & The Frolicks Band came third. Fans voted for the winners, showcasing community engagement.
Adeola Akinyemi, founder of Make Music Lagos, emphasised the platform’s role in boosting live music in Nigeria. “All our performances are live, no miming,” she said. “When we started 10 years ago, live music wasn’t as strong. Now, we’re a voice for it.”
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Make Music Lagos supports emerging artists by letting them perform with top talent. Initiatives like Battle of the Bands, catalogue reviews, and Make Music Live events—smaller concerts held year-round—offer exposure. She cited Femile, who gained regular gigs after a past performance.
“Nigeria has so much talent, but standing out is hard,” she noted. “Streaming and content creation help, but conferences, boot camps, and sponsorships are key.”
Looking ahead, she promised fans variety. “We cater to all genres—reggae, gospel, hip-hop—and all ages. Whatever music you like, you’ll find it at Make Music events.” The platform’s inclusivity shone as fans of all ages enjoyed the diverse lineup.
Make Music Lagos continues to shape the live music scene, promote new artists, and build community. With growing support and a focus on live performances, the platform plans to keep offering opportunities for talent and enjoyment for fans.
