SloweGanzi USA, PMAN sign agreement in Lagos for Atlanta Afrobeats Festival 2024
By Editor
IN a historic show of the cross-continental influence of Afrobeats sound, representatives of SloweGanzi USA were in Lagos, the heartbeat of Afrobeats, for a profound purpose – to pay homage to the roots and origins of the global sensation that is Afrobeats and enter into partnership to. The signing of agreement took place at PMAN’s Nigeria Music House, Lekki, Lagos. The Executive Producer for the festival and partner SloweGanzi USA, expressed immense gratitude for the warm welcome received in Lagos. He emphasized the significance of Lagos as the perfect backdrop for their tribute, given its rich cultural tapestry and status as the Afrobeats capital of the world. The partnership will bring into being the much-anticipated Atlanta Afrobeats Festival in August 2024 and promises to be a celebration of diversity, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Afrobeats. The partnership with PMAN adds a significant dimension to this celebration, as it aligns with the festival’s mission of building bridges through music.
An exciting revelation came in the form of a strategic working relationship and partnership with the Nigerian music union, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). This collaboration, Wole Akande stated, is not just about music but aims to celebrate diversity, foster cultural exchange, and build bridges that transcend borders. The commitment to supporting artists, creators, and the entire Afrobeats ecosystem was underscored.
While welcoming the visitors and their initiative, the President of PMAN, Mr. Pretty Okafor, highlighted the unifying power of music, and said the partnership signifies a commitment to supporting the Afrobeats ecosystem from artists to creators, and fostering cultural exchange. “Afrobeats has transcended borders, and we are excited to work together to elevate the genre even further,” stated Okafor, adding, “Let the rhythm of Afrobeats continue to echo across continents, uniting hearts and creating lasting connections.”
CEO of Inspiro Productions and Executive Consultant to Atlanta Afrobeats Festival, Ayoola Sadare (left); PMAN Governor and ace female drummer, ARA; President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor and the Executive Producer of SloweGanzi USA, Wole Akande at the media briefing in Lagos
The Executive Producer of Sloweganzi USA, Akande, said, Firstly, I’d like to express our immense gratitude for the warm welcome we’ve received upon our arrival here in Lagos, the true heartbeat of the Afrobeats genre. Our journey from the United States to Lagos, the Afrobeats capital of the world, holds a profound purpose — to pay homage to the roots and origins of the music that has become a global sensation. Lagos, with its rich cultural tapestry, serves as the perfect backdrop for this tribute. In addition to paying our respects, we are thrilled to announce the initiation of a strategic working relationship and partnership with the Nigerian music union, Performing Musicians’ Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN). We believe that collaboration is essential for the continued growth and elevation of Afrobeats on the global stage. Our commitment to fostering a strong alliance with PMAN, led by its esteemed national president, Okafor, signifies our dedication to supporting artists, creators, and the entire ecosystem that contributes to the vibrant Afrobeats culture.
“This partnership is not just about music; it’s about celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and building bridges that transcend borders. Afrobeats is a unifying force, and we aim to amplify its impact through this collaboration. We are excited about the possibilities that this partnership holds, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences that resonate with Afrobeats enthusiasts worldwide.”
“It is an honour and a pleasure to stand before you today as the President of the Nigerian music union, Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN),” Okafor said while welcoming his guest and stressing the importance of the cultural alliance with SloweGanzi. “As we gather here in Lagos, the Afrobeats capital of the world, to welcome Mr. Wole Akande of SloweGanzi USA and to announce a historic partnership that holds great promise for our music industry. Afrobeats, a genre that originated right here in Nigeria, has not only captivated our nation but has become a global phenomenon, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with people around the world. Today marks a significant milestone as we join hands with SloweGanzi USA, organisers of the Atlanta Afrobeats Festival 2024.
“This partnership is more than a collaboration between entities; it’s a recognition of the power of music to foster unity, understanding, and cultural exchange. Afrobeats is a testament to the creativity and resilience of our artistes, and through this alliance, we aim to provide them with greater opportunities and support. Lagos, with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic music scene, serves as the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. The Atlanta Afrobeats Festival, slated for August 2024, is set to be a celebration of our shared heritage, diversity, and the universal language of music. As we embark on this journey with SloweGanzi USA, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to amplify the voices of our artistes and contribute to the global success of Afrobeats.”
The CEO of Inspiro Productions and Executive Consultant to the Atlanta Afrobeats Festival, Ayoola Sadare, expressed delight at SlowGanzi’s initiative to come to the origins of Afrobeats. He commended the initiative as a celebration of creativity that taps into the pulse of Lagos and showcases the vibrancy and talent embedded in Nigeria’s cultural DNA.
Beyond the cultural spectacle, the Atlanta Afrobeats Festival is positioned to generate economic opportunities and cross-cultural exchange. The PMAN and Atlanta partnership arrangement is also designed to shape narratives, foster unity, and propel the creative economy forward.
