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The maiden edition of the Music City Central Festival has ended on a high note in Lagos, drawing music lovers and industry stakeholders to a two-day celebration of African sound, culture and creative enterprise.
Held on December 19 and 20 at Orange Island, Lagos, the festival showcased a blend of established and emerging talents while positioning itself as a platform for both live performance and industry development. Organised by SpringBox Africa, the event was marked by high production standards, seamless technical execution and a carefully curated programme.
Day one featured a standout performance by highlife duo The Cavemen, whose set fused traditional influences with contemporary flair. The second day saw Afrobeat musician Mádé Kuti deliver a technically refined performance that reaffirmed his place within the Afrobeat lineage.
Representing the new wave of Afropop, Fave captivated the audience with her emotive vocals, while Qing Madi impressed with a confident set that reflected her growing influence beyond Nigeria. Rising act Fola also brought a distinctive sound to the stage, underscoring the diversity of talent shaping Africa’s music scene.
Beyond performances, the festival placed strong emphasis on industry growth. Panel sessions featuring key stakeholders examined issues such as royalties, artist management and the future of African music commerce, drawing keen participation from attendees.
An aspiring songwriter, Titilayo, described the experience as impactful. “The level of professionalism here is on another level. I came for the music, but stayed for the industry panels and conversations. It feels like the festival truly cares about building the future of music, not just putting on a show,” she said.
The event also benefitted from the festive season, contributing to Lagos’ entertainment and tourism appeal. Additional performances came from Dunnie, Aniko, We Are All Chemicals, Shmurda and Twixx, while DJs DJ Lambo, Lats the DJ and SL the DJ kept energy levels high throughout the festival.
By combining live entertainment with strategic industry dialogue, Music City Central Festival has set a new standard for cultural events in Lagos. As it looks ahead to 2026, organisers say the focus remains on elevating artists and delivering exceptional experiences for audiences.
