In a city teeming with talent, Lagos’ independent artists have often found themselves without a stage to call their own. However, this is set to change with the introduction of Indie Nights Live, a six-part live series powered by Jack Daniel’s. The series, which kicked off on August 2nd at Bature Brewery, provides a platform for independent artists to showcase their skills, free from the constraints of traditional label machinery.
Afro Vibes Africa’s innovative series brings together six independent artists each month, offering them a chance to perform in a properly produced setting, complete with top-notch sound and a room that takes their work seriously. The inaugural event featured performances by Lil Qhid, JDess, Coblaze, Dhrey, Suurshi, and Victor Collins, all of whom took to the stage with a point to prove.
According to Funmi Abimbola, Senior Brand Manager at Brown Forman Portfolio Nigeria, the partnership between Jack Daniel’s and Afro Vibes Africa was a natural fit, given the brand’s history of doing things its own way since 1866. Abimbola noted, ‘Independence isn’t a mood for us; it’s the whole brand. Jack Daniel’s has done things its own way since 1866, and that’s exactly what drew us to this room: artists who’d built an audience the same way, with no shortcuts and no permission.’
The series comes at a time when Nigerian music is experiencing its biggest global moment yet, with the industry’s machinery becoming increasingly selective. However, the sound that is really making waves often comes from independent artists working on their own terms, without the need for A&R sign-off or label backing. Indie Nights Live aims to fill this gap by providing a proper stage for these artists to showcase their talents.
With the series set to run monthly through December, each edition will feature a new lineup of artists. This provides a unique opportunity for music lovers to discover new talent and for artists to gain the recognition they deserve. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how it contributes to the growth and development of Lagos’ indie music scene.
As Indie Nights Live continues to gain momentum, it is clear that this platform is exactly what Lagos’ independent artists have been missing. By providing a stage for these talented individuals to showcase their skills, Afro Vibes Africa and Jack Daniel’s are helping to pave the way for a new generation of musicians to emerge.
