PMAN Ajegunle Chapter Marks World Music Day with Awards and Performances in Lagos

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the Performing Musicians’ Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Ajegunle Chapter turned Lagos’s Rockbell Lounge & Club into a vibrant stage for World Music Day, pairing live performances with a brand‑new awards ceremony that honored key contributors to the Nigerian music industry.

World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique or Make Music Day, is an international festival that encourages public music performances worldwide. While PMAN has observed the day annually, the 2026 edition was described by Ajegunle chapter chairman Bright John Odede – better known as Sir Boj – as “special” because of the Lagos State chapter’s participation and the addition of an awards segment. Odede said the awards would recognize "deserving personalities" whose work has helped the industry grow, and he urged musicians who were not yet members of PMAN to join, citing unity as a key factor in creating opportunities for artists.

Rockbell Lounge & Club, a venue that regularly hosts music events in Lagos, provided a lively backdrop for the celebration. The club’s spacious lounge and club area accommodated a red‑carpet reception, a stage for performances, and a dedicated awards stage. Attendees reported an energetic atmosphere, with live music echoing through the venue and a crowd that moved in time to the rhythm of the performances.

PMAN, founded in 1984 by Christy Essien‑Igbokwe and Sunny Okosun, serves as a guide for Nigerian musicians and regulates the practice of music in the country. The Ajegunle chapter, located in a neighbourhood known for producing many talented musicians, has been active in supporting local artists for years. The 2026 celebration highlighted the chapter’s ongoing efforts to promote unity and professional development within the music community.

During the ceremony, Sir Boj spoke about the importance of recognition and unity. He emphasized that the awards would honor individuals who have supported emerging artists and provided inspiration to new talent. Fatai Tijani, governor of PMAN’s Lagos State chapter, explained that the association is the recognised body responsible for regulating and coordinating music‑related activities in the state. He chose Ajegunle as the venue because the neighbourhood has produced many musicians who have made significant contributions to Nigerian music. Tijani added that award recipients were selected for their support of emerging artists and for the inspiration they provide to new talent.

The evening featured performances from several acts. The duo Sidney Guy, popularly known as Queen of Love, and Spyro Guy, also known as 360, took the stage to describe World Music Day as an occasion to celebrate music’s influence on society. They emphasized music’s role in uplifting people during difficult moments and as a tool for emotional healing. Their set included fast‑paced songs that kept the audience dancing throughout the night. Another duo, Damian Ekachukwu John and Desmond Orunchukwu John, spoke about the day’s global significance and their commitment to producing Afro‑beat, Hip‑Hop and other contemporary genres.

The awards ceremony, a first for the Ajegunle chapter, highlighted the achievements of industry figures who have supported emerging talent. While the names of the recipients were not disclosed in the report, the event underscored PMAN’s ongoing efforts to recognize and encourage contributions that strengthen the music community.

Industry observers noted that the celebration reinforced PMAN’s role as a platform for networking and professional development. By inviting musicians who are not yet members, the association aims to broaden its membership base and promote collaboration across Lagos’s diverse music scenes. The event also served as a reminder of Ajegunle’s historical importance as a breeding ground for Nigerian musical talent.

In closing, the celebration ended with renewed calls for unity among musicians, increased participation in PMAN activities, and continued support for talent development across Lagos and beyond. The association’s leadership reiterated its commitment to regulating music‑related activities and fostering an environment where emerging artists can thrive.