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Abuja Alternate Festival 2026 has kicked-off , which the organisers said it would rewrite the narrative of Nigeria’s creative economy.
A release issued on Monday by the organisers assured that audience would find its home once again with the kick-off of the six-day event, described as “the new heartbeat of Nigeria’s creative evolution.”
“Under the theme of “Industry Alchemy,” the 2026 edition of AAF is doing more than hosting concerts; it is building an ecosystem.
“Spanning from March 16th to 21st, this hybrid festival is positioning Abuja as a global cultural bridge, blending virtual knowledge-sharing with high-octane physical performances to reach an audience of millions.
“At the helm of this transformation is Momoh Pius Oshogwemoh, widely known as MC Bluetooth, a media executive and cultural architect, whose influence on the Nigerian airwaves is matched only by his strategic vision for the arts.
“A 2022 winner of the British Council’s Creative Enterprise Support Programme (CESP), Mc Bluetooth has used his platform to professionalise the “Alternate” movement, famously managing international award-winning talent like Blessing Tangban.
“We aren’t just here to entertain; we are here to educate,” says Mc Bluetooth.
“The Abuja Alternate Festival is the blueprint for the next generation of independent creators, which is why for the most part, participation in this festival is open to all.
“We are turning raw talent into sustainable, global brands.”
The organisers said the festival’s first three days are dedicated to “Industry Alchemy”, a series of master classes designed to equip artists with essential tools needed for longevity and profit in the music ecosystem.
According to the statement, “The line-up is a who’s who of industry expertise: March 16th: The journey begins with the “Introduction to the Abuja Alternate Festival” on X Spaces, hosted by Solomon Obi from The Billboard Naija, featuring Mc Bluetooth as facilitator.
“March 17th: Legal luminary Olaoluwa Idowu leads a critical deep dive into “Before Your First Release,” tackling the vital legal checklists, split sheets, and IP protections often ignored by emerging artists.
“March 18th: The focus turns to sustainability and innovation. Nelsun Adapioyi, author of Artist Development: Moving from Good to Valuable, will deconstruct the career trajectory of an artist, while Onyekachi Oparah of Zoho Corporation will showcase how the Zoho Backstage platform can empower independent artists to manage global success and engagement, scale tours and data ownership with corporate precision.”
The excitement surrounding festival is impossible to ignore, ensuring that free access is guaranteed for would-be participants who register.
It is a clear signal that the industry is ready for a new standard. As the festival transitions from the digital sphere to the physical realm, the energy shifts to the city’s hotspots.
The Abuja Alternate Festival is powered by a network of forward-thinking partners, including headline sponsor Kira; the revolutionary fintech solution, turning WhatsApp into a secure conversational banking wallet; a first of its kind in Nigeria.
Other brands include Stream Media, Option A International, FillbagPlayzone, Zoho cooperation, DNT Autos, DOT Signage, The Big One, Elyton, The Grillhype, Whispers Art Haus, Café One, and Printway, the Abuja Alternate Festival is a testament to what is possible when the private sector invests in creative infrastructure, which also underscores the festival’s commitment to merging art with cutting-edge technology.
As Festival continues to scale, the vision is clear: Abuja is no longer just a destination, it is a launchpad.
By bridging the gap between independent creativity and commercial structure, Bluetooth entertainment is not just hosting an event; it is securing the future of African music.
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