By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Concert organizers in Abuja, the nation’s capital, have united to promote the city’s artistic growth, urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to support an endowment fund for the arts.

They believe that investing in homegrown talent will drive social and economic growth in the city.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Gabriel Ubochi, Chief Executive Officer of Made in Abuja Entertainment Media and Convener of the Made in Abuja Concert, stated that these efforts aim to provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career development to talented artists from Abuja..

According to him, the Made in Abuja Concert, now in its second year, aims to spotlight and celebrate Abuja’s thriving talents, providing a platform for local artists to shine and share their gifts with the world.

He said, “Our mission is to spotlight, showcase, and celebrate Abuja’s thriving talents and brands, providing a platform for them to reach new audiences.

“The aim is to highlight the exceptional talents that call this city home, providing a platform for our local artists to shine and share their gifts with the world.

“Beyond the entertainment, the Made in Abuja Concert carries significant socio-economic benefits for our community. By investing in homegrown talent and highlighting the city’s creative potential, we can drive social and economic growth.”

Shedrack Igho, Co-founder of BlueDay Consults, emphasized the need for media support to promote Abuja artists, highlighting the consistency of a local radio station dedicated to playing Abuja artists’ songs.

He also stressed the importance of recognizing Abuja’s artistic potential.

“If we truly want to focus on Abuja, let’s focus on our homegrown artists and perhaps stop referring to them as ‘local’ at this point. We are emphasizing the need for media support to help promote Abuja artists,” he stated.

Pilot Zungu, Manager of Playzone Technologies Limited, predicted that Abuja will produce a Grammy-winning artist within the next three to five years, citing the city’s vibrant generation and proactive approach to arts development.

Zungu also disclosed that concert organizers are seeking FCTA’s support for an endowment fund to develop the arts scene in Abuja.

According to him, the fund would provide pathways and resources for artists to grow and succeed.

He said, “We recall a fund of N10bn from the previous government and suggest the need for similar support to develop the arts scene in Abuja.

“We are confident in our potential to bring a Grammy to Abuja within the next three to five years.

“Our vision includes making significant strides in the arts and music scene, with the goal of achieving international recognition.”

The entertainment aficionados further expressed that the Made in Abuja Concert will boost the local economy, creating jobs for event organizers, performers, technicians, and vendors.

This year’s concert, themed ‘The Sound of a New Dawn,’ will take place on October 25 at PlayZone Arena, Garki Area 11, FCT. The event will feature performances by some of Abuja’s top artists, including Harry C, Zeeter Oliver, and Kid Maliq, alongside over 22 other talented acts.

The event is expected to attract visitors from across the country, further promoting Abuja’s artistic and cultural scene.

Organizers emphasize that the concert’s impact extends beyond entertainment, contributing to the economic vitality of Abuja and fostering cultural pride among residents.