Celebrating Success: Highlights from the Incredible Music Festival in Jos

The Incredible Music Festival (IMF) concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the region's creative landscape. From February 22nd to the 24th, Jos was a hub of innovation and artistry, drawing artists, musicians, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across the region. The festival not only showcased exceptional talent but also fostered meaningful discussions on crucial industry issues.

The Incredible Music Festival Jos is a global music experience centered in the magical city of Jos. IMF’s mission is to grow the local creative economy, while showcasing the amazing homegrown talent of Jos to the world.

With an impact focus on creatives in Nigeria, IMF creates an opportunity for Creatives to Network, Build Community and Focus on Social Impact as the global creative economy is projected to grow by 40% in 2030.?

The Incredible Music Festival has been held in two states —Lagos and Jos— between year 2021 and 2024.?

In 2021, in Lagos, it had over 600 creatives, 25 performers and 3 partners.?

The 2022 edition had over 1300 creatives in Jos, 27 performers and 13 partners.

Focusing on the TASCK mission, the 2024 edition held on the theme “Creatives Will Change Africa”. The Three-day event delivered on networking, panel discussions, workshops and performances set out to project local creatives in and around Jos, and northern Nigeria by extension.?

The festival had over 3000 creatives in attendance, 80 performers and 8 partners including TASCK, Wigwe Foundation, Algorand, Aurally, OSIWA, Incredible Music, and Glenfiddich, with support from the Plateau State Government..?

Empowering Artists and Innovators

IMF 2024 exceeded expectations with two days of immersive workshops and engaging panel discussions, followed by a day of electrifying live performances. Highlights included intimate mental health discussions with established and emerging artists and explorations of music's future amid emerging technologies like blockchain. The festival was a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of music on societal well-being.

Generous Support from Forward-Thinking Sponsors

The festival's success was underpinned by the generous support of its sponsors. Algorand, a leading L1 blockchain innovator, and Aurally, an indigenous streaming platform, played pivotal roles in empowering emerging artists and setting the stage for revolutionizing the creative industry. Their contributions ensured that attendees had a memorable and enriching experience, highlighting the importance of community and industry support.

Mental Health Workshop: Breaking Stigmas and Building Resilience

One of the standout sessions was the mental health workshop on the festival's second day. Nigerian hip-hop icon M.I Abaga, alongside mental health professionals, shared personal stories and practical advice on navigating mental health challenges in the creative industry. The workshop emphasized the importance of regular mental health evaluations and proactive approaches to mental wellness. M.I Abaga's candid discussion on the pressures faced by artists resonated deeply, encouraging attendees to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed.

Social Impact and Poverty Eradication: Loye’s Inspiring Journey

Emerging singer and songwriter Loye captivated attendees with his story of rising from the slums of Kaduna to becoming a prominent figure in the music industry. In a panel discussion with journalist Na’omi Kareem, Loye shared his commitment to poverty eradication and leveraging his platform for social good. His journey, documented in a poignant film, highlighted the transformative power of providing opportunities to disadvantaged communities. The discussion concluded with a food drive kicking off Loye’s initiative to feed 1000 families, inspiring attendees to consider how they can contribute to positive change in their communities.

Looking Forward: A Future of Continued Impact

As the festival concluded, the organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its success—from sponsors and partners to dedicated team members and volunteers. Most importantly, they thanked the attendees who joined in celebrating the magic of music and the spirit of unity.

IMF 2024 demonstrated the profound impact of music and creativity on society, fostering important discussions on mental health and social impact. With optimism for the future, the festival looks forward to continuing its legacy, inspiring generations of artists and music lovers to come.

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