Strictly Entertainment Music, producers of the renowned African Music Summit, have announced their official partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) which is expected to lead to the staging of the African Music Summit at NAFEST, scheduked to take place in Enugu between November 22 and 29, 2025.
In a release made available to TCN, this year’s NAFEST, themed *“Connected Culture,”* will see the African Music Summit deliver a groundbreaking three-day programme designed to empower talents, foster industry growth, and position the South-East as a dynamic hub for music and creativity.
According to the statement, the AMS at NAFEST 2025 will bring together leading voices in music, business, and culture for a series of keynotes, panels, workshops, and masterclasses.
The programme will focus on business education, artist development, and practical skills—offering invaluable opportunities for local talent, industry professionals, and aspiring creatives.
Highlights include in-depth sessions on enhancing South-Eastern music business practices, exporting South-Eastern music globally, marketing, law, and intellectual property, alongside practical workshops in songwriting, production, branding, and digital marketing.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable music ecosystem in the South-East, connecting local talent with national and international industry leaders.
“The Summit will also provide a platform for showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, with a particular focus on language, identity, and the global potential of Igbo music.
Tge statement added that as part of its international strategy, the event would be promoted at key events in the UK and USA during summer 2025, engaging the diaspora and forging new partnerships to drive investment and collaboration.
“These efforts will help amplify the reach and impact of NAFEST 2025, positioning Enugu and the South-East at the forefront of Africa’s creative industries.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Ikechukwu (Black PHARAOH) Onuorah, Creative Director of Strictly Entertainment Music and African Music Summit, said:
_“It is an immense honour and a moment of great excitement for us to be included in NAFEST 2025. As an Igbo man who has worked in the music industry for over 25 years, the opportunity to bring our skills and experience back home to contribute to the further development of the region is truly massive. We look forward to working together to ignite a new era of creativity and opportunity in the South-East.”_
The collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s vision for the creative economy, recognising the vital role of arts and culture in job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.
“With Enugu’s vibrant infrastructure, world-class venues, and a thriving community of young creatives, NAFEST 2025 promises to be a landmark event—celebrating the full spectrum of Nigerian culture on a national and global stage.”
Similarly, Obi Asika, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, said:
_“Music is one of the core cultural heritages of the South-East. From the rhythms of Ogene to the deep traditions of call and response, connected to all global Black music, our music has shaped global sounds for generations. The African Music Summit at NAFEST 2025 is a powerful step in enabling our people, providing pathways for our youth, and connecting our creative legacy to the global agenda.”_
Strictly Entertainment Music Ltd (SEM) is a leading company dedicated to music business education, consultancy, and creative industry development, with a mission to professionalise and globalise the African music business practice. SEM produces the African Music Summit (AMS), an annual event connecting industry leaders, artists, and investors to boost Africa’s music ecosystem and promote international opportunities for African talent. SEM is run by co-founders Chiedozie Onuora, Ramon Olaleye, iKECHUKWU (Black PHARAOH) Onuorah, and partner Uchenna Amy Oraefo, who together bring expertise in music business, technology, law, and creative industry development.
