MI Abaga, Somi to headline Afropolitan Vibes Fest

Leading the line-up of performers are MI Abaga, Somi and Styl Plus, alongside house band BANTU. Other artists to appear include Funbi, Ric Hassani, Lady Donli, Teezee, Buki, Timzil, Joyce Olong and Yinka Bernie.

The festival, which takes place on 16 and 17 March, grew out of the popular concert series, which drew a music-loving crowd once every month to its former home at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, for several years. The same grounds held the first edition of the festival in December 2016.

Since then the concert has recorded a few changes, as it has moved to new venue Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Lagos, and become a quarterly showcase of live music by a variety of artists including old-timers Danfo Drivers, newcomer Simi and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Teniola.

While MI Abaga and BANTU might be expected to perform songs from their latest projects Rendezvous and Agberos International, US act of Ugandan and Rwandan descent Somi might go back to her 2014 album The Lagos Music Salon, which was recorded in the city. Fans will expect music from a decade ago from the group Styl Plus.

Co-producer of Afropolitan Vibes Abby Ogunsanya explained why the festival would take place in March 2018 rather than December 2017. She told Music In Africa it was decided that instead of coinciding with the first edition, the festival should mark the anniversary of the concert series, which took place for the first time in March 2013. “Double celebration every year,” she said.

Besides performances by recording musicians, the festival will also host DJ sessions and masterclasses on the various aspects of music production.

“Our intention is to acknowledge the growing influence of DJs,” Ogunsanya said. “We also want to give people insight into how music is put together by the major beat makers in Nigeria. March 17 is all about dance. We want to promote not just live music but dance culture as well. It will be a joy to see talented DJs enjoy the limelight more and not be seen as just opening acts for performing musicians."

A songwriting masterclass will be helmed by Brymo, who has won an AFRIMA songwriter award. Bez will hold a class on playing the guitar, while producers Sess, Del B and Oscar will lead a session on creating beats. These three producers have been responsible for making hits for artists such as Reekado Banks, Falz and Simi. 

"The workshops are important to us. We want to always be a part of improving standards in the industry. In this case our focus is on songwriting and encouraging people to play musical instruments," Ogunsanya said.

Tickets for the Afropolitan Vibes festival: 2500 naira ($7) each day. Masterclass: 1000 naira ($3)