The 2025 MUSON Festival reached a spectacular conclusion in Lagos, delivering a powerful celebration of Nigerian creativity, the brilliance of its youth, and the exciting frontier of technological innovation. Held at the iconic MUSON Centre, the event solidified its status as a vital pillar of the nation's cultural landscape, dedicated to nurturing new talent, encouraging artistic partnerships, and pushing musical education into the digital future.
A Stage for Young Virtuosos
The festival's MusiQuest Finale Concert placed the spotlight firmly on young, gifted musicians from schools across Nigeria. The Agip Recital Hall served as the venue for an evening of non-competitive performances, masterfully anchored by Ifunanya Anakwe, which focused purely on artistic expression.
The audience was treated to a series of unforgettable performances. Eniola Emmanuel delivered a moving Euphonium solo of Sonata in F by Benedetto Marcello, while the duo of Chidozie and Chiamaka offered a harmonious rendition of 'I Vow to Thee My Country'. Esther Oputteh's powerful soprano voice shone in Handel's 'Let the Bright Seraphim', supported by Isaac Sulaiman and Bright Kpalap.
Other highlights included Abdulrazaq Isa's soulful saxophone interpretation of 'Yesterday', Akinuli Korede's lively piano performance of 'Movement de Valse', and a rousing presentation of the Yoruba folk classic 'Iwe Kiko' by Emmanuella Omole, Ewere Ewubor, Nimi Popoola, and Tevin Ilodianya, with accompaniment from Ayodele Omole. This final performance earned a resounding standing ovation from the captivated audience.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of the MUSON School of Music, Princess Banke Ademola, praised the performers and expressed gratitude to the MUSON Board of Trustees—Mr. Louis Mbanefo, Ms. Shade Doherty, and Pastor Yemi Akinsonya—for their role in fostering the next generation. She emphatically stated, "We are in the age of Gen Z, let them express themselves," and encouraged the young artists to persevere in their musical journeys.
Bridging Music and Technology
Prior to the concert, the festival hosted the 'Collabo: Music and Technology Symposium', a forward-thinking forum that delved into the intersection of creative arts and digital advancement. The keynote speaker, Mr. Sonny Iroche, Chairman of GEH AI Learning Concepts, urged artists to see Artificial Intelligence as a powerful tool for creative growth and storytelling.
The symposium featured critical insights from other industry leaders. Mr. Michael Odiong, CEO of Premier Records Limited, highlighted the urgent need to protect intellectual property and preserve Africa's unique cultural identity in the digital space. Mr. Sam Onyemelukwe of Trace Anglophone West Africa advised artists to prioritize originality over imitation. Furthermore, legal expert Mr. Femi Fatolu commended MUSON for its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about copyright issues among creators.
Affirming a Vibrant Musical Future
From the youthful melodies at the MusiQuest concert to the futuristic conversations at the tech symposium and the timeless harmonies of the gala, the 2025 MUSON Festival sent a clear message. It demonstrated that the future of Nigerian music is not rooted in a single element, but in a dynamic and inspired fusion. The event proved that the powerful combination of youthful energy, technological adoption, and deep-rooted artistry is the definitive path forward for the nation's sound.
The festival successfully acted as a microcosm of Nigeria's evolving cultural heartbeat, showcasing that its musical legacy is in capable and innovative hands.
