Tosin Salako Advocates for Enhanced Support in Nigeria's Music and Cultural Sectors
African jazz artiste and founder of the Abuja International Afro Jazz Festival, Tosin Salako, has made a compelling call for increased investment in Nigeria's music industry. He emphasizes music as a powerful instrument for national transformation, unity, and economic advancement, noting its ability to transcend language barriers and serve as a universal communication medium.
Echoes of West Africa Tour 2026: A Cultural Milestone
Salako shared these insights during the Echoes of West Africa Tour 2026 in Abuja, a significant cultural collaboration between France-based Collectif KOA and the Afro Jazz Festival. The event, headlined by PMAI and Salako, featured guest performances by Emita Testimony, Jessica Bongos, and Odenose, drawing attention as one of the year's notable entertainment showcases.
In his remarks, Salako elaborated on music's societal impact, stating that songs can address social issues, inspire change, and connect people across ethnic and linguistic divides. He said, "Music is a tool for global change and societal change. Everybody listens to and consumes music. From the North to the South, it connects people, whether sung in English, Hausa, or Yoruba—music is universal and understood by all."
Economic and Creative Sector Growth
Salako also highlighted the creative sector's importance to Nigeria's economy, pointing out that genres like jazz, indie, and pop are growing alongside Afrobeat. He explained that the Echoes of West Africa Tour was designed as an artistic exchange between Nigeria and France, blending African jazz with South Asian jazz influences.
He urged government support for artists through investment and the creation of more live performance venues, adding, "We need more venues for live music to grow the music culture of a city. Artists often handle production, promotion, and distribution themselves, so government support is crucial." Salako noted that the tour provides a platform for young performers, offering emerging artists opportunities to open shows, gain experience, and build their careers, thereby empowering youth for future phases.
Industry Voices and Collaborative Efforts
Guest performer Emita Testimony praised Nigeria's creative potential and called for more collaborations within the industry, saying, "Nigeria is leading with rhythm and talent. Increased collaborations can help us achieve more and conquer the world."
Christine Paulette Dumons, festival director of Collectif KOA, described the project as a cross-cultural exchange that brings together African sounds, European jazz and rock, and Asian traditional influences. She expressed optimism for growth through concerts, creative partnerships, and future tours.
French bassist and composer Alfred Vilayleck emphasized the importance of international collaboration for music's evolution, praising Nigeria's diverse music scene for its unique blend of local and global influences.
With themes of unity, cultural pride, and artistic innovation, the Echoes of West Africa Tour 2026 is hailed as a landmark event on Africa's entertainment calendar, underscoring the vital role of music in societal and economic development.
