French organisations present World Music Day in Lagos

Since the early 1980s, cities across the world have celebrated Lang’s creation. For Lagos in 2018, the celebration will involve the invitation of French and Nigerian artists in what the organisers have called a “unique concert”. The event will feature Aleqs Notal, Po Boy and Skata Vibration.

Notal, a French DJ and producer based in Paris, was born in the 1980s and by the mid-2000s was commandeering large stages although he is steeped in the underground music scene of Paris. He was DJ of the famous French hip-hop band "Saïan Supa Crew" from 2005 to 2009 and was awarded as a 1st World Champion DJ in 2010 by Red Bull.

According to a statement from the event organisers: “Combining influences from Detroit and Chicago, the sound that defines [Aleqs Notal] reflects his early and endless fascination for the sharpest percussions.

“The always widening range of inspirations Aleqs puts forward bears witness to the fruitful musical exploration he has been passionately leading over the years. From the most soulful House anthems to the darkest Techno rhythms, via the fundamental genres of disco, funk, jazz and soul, the possibilities are endless.”

Last December, he released the album Fela is the Future under the record label Volume. He has also produced the album Felatronic, which will be released Saturday 23 June.

During his performance, Aleqs Notal will be accompanied by Wura Samba, the Nigerian drummer. The result, says the organisers, “will offer an original and unique creation mixing traditional Nigerian elements and electronic music”.

Also performing are Skata Vibration, an alternative afro psychedelic rock band based in Lagos. The band, which comprises root bassist Laughter Oluwatosin, drummer Adey Omotade, loop guitarist Jad Moukarim, and Hausa vocalist Stiques, was last year introduced to a number of Lagos music lovers during a concert hosted by the artist Brymo. French-Congolese band Po’Boy and Algerian artist Salah Gaoua will also be performing at the event.

Although the World Music Day Lagos edition will take place on 23 June, Nigeria's capital Abuja will witness the event with a different line-up today 21 June. 

For more information on the 2018 World Music Day celebration, follow the social media page of the Institut Français of Nigeria.