Abuja International Afrojazz Festival to launch professional music market

The fourth edition of the Abuja International Afrojazz Festival, scheduled for November 18 to 21, will introduce a Professional Music Market designed to connect Nigerian musicians with the global music industry.

Taking place on November 19 and 20 in Jabi, Abuja, the market will host approximately 20 international professionals from 10 different countries. These participants include festival directors, promoters, booking agents, journalists, and intellectual property experts. The initiative is supported by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, ECOWAS, and the Institut français Nigeria.

The two-day program is divided into two themes: ‘CONNECT’, focusing on global music ecosystems, monetization, and digital technology; and ‘CREATE & DEVELOP’, which explores the European music industry and professional partnerships.

In addition to the market, the festival will feature showcase performances by seven acts from 26 countries, including performers from the United Kingdom, Austria, and the Benin Republic. A four-day artist residency will also take place, featuring musicians such as Papyrus, Pepe Oleka, and Pearl Rocker, leading up to a grand finale concert on November 21.