Great session with @Thegrillhype https://t.co/El5kaxSo1x
— Creative Culture (@cculture_) July 31, 2025
No worry, if you missed this, there's going to be more. Stay tuned to @Thegrillhype
Abuja’s music scene just got a reality check — and it’s one the city desperately needed.
In a powerful and unfiltered Twitter Space hosted by The Grill Hype, top voices from the city’s creative community gathered to dissect the highs and lows of the capital’s music ecosystem. The conversation quickly went viral, drawing artists, producers, promoters, and culture enthusiasts into a space that felt more like a town hall than a tweet thread.
And the message was clear: Abuja is bursting with talent — but drowning in silence.
🎙️ “There’s Talent in This City, But No Structure”
This now-viral quote from one speaker became the unofficial tagline of the session. It hit home for many in the city who’ve watched countless talented acts fade out or relocate to Lagos just to chase opportunities that should exist right here in Nigeria’s capital.
The frustration wasn’t new — but this time, it was finally being voiced publicly.
🚫 What’s Really Holding Abuja Back?
The speakers didn’t hold back. They outlined five recurring problems:
- Zero music infrastructure: No major record labels, PR agencies, or organized talent management
- The Lagos drain: Artists leaving to “make it” elsewhere
- Gatekeeping & ego wars: A few event curators and influencers control too much
- Lack of local support: Media silence on rising Abuja stars
- Exploitation of talent: Pay-to-play shows, low/no artist compensation, poor event planning
✅ What Needs to Change?
While the conversation called out the flaws, it also carved out a blueprint for change — and that’s what made it truly impactful.
Here are some of the solutions proposed:
- Community-led events: Less gatekeeping, more collaboration
- Amplify Abuja media: Local blogs and platforms need to spotlight their own
- Fair pay for artists: Transparent splits, no more exposure gigs
- Brand Abuja’s sound: Create an identity as unique as the city
- Build strategic bridges: Link up with national players, but keep the roots local
🎧 Why This Conversation Matters
Abuja isn’t just a political capital — it’s a cultural powerhouse waiting to ignite. But without structure, strategy, and unity, its creative scene risks being shaped by outsiders or overshadowed altogether.
“Abuja doesn’t lack talent — it lacks unity, structure, and bold moves.”
The call is loud now. And it’s clear: Abuja must support Abuja — not just in words, but in real, tangible ways.
📲 What’s Next?
The energy is shifting. Creatives are talking, platforms are waking up, and the city is paying attention.
But this can’t be another viral moment that fades into the noise. It needs to lead to:
- Long-term projects
- Cross-collective collaboration
- A full-on cultural movement
Abuja is overdue for a sonic identity. This might just be the spark it needs.