Popcentral

Popcentral is redefining how stories are told and culture is celebrated. Our latest groundbreaking project, 70 Years of Music in Nigeria: An Exhibition, is a tribute to seven decades of Nigerian music—a journey that showcases the evolution of sound, identity, and creativity in a way that resonates with history and the future alike.

This exhibition was born out of a need to educate, inspire, and celebrate the legacy of Nigerian music, from highlife, juju to the global phenomenon of Afrobeats, which has become an integral part of pop culture worldwide. It’s more than a nostalgic reflection; it’s a celebration of progress, reinvention, and the boundless innovation of Nigerian artistry.

At the heart of this project lies the power of storytelling. After extensive research into Nigeria’s musical history, we uncovered over 70 remarkable stories that span the last seven decades. These stories form the backbone of the exhibition, highlighting the moments, movements, and milestones that have shaped our music and culture.

To bring these stories to life, we launched a call for visual and musical artists to collaborate in a way that bridges the past with the present. Visual artists have been commissioned to create stunning pieces inspired by these curated stories.

The residency has offered a space for artists to immerse themselves in the richness of our musical heritage, resulting in artwork that speaks to the beauty and depth of Nigerian culture.
Simultaneously, we commissioned musicians to reimagine some of Nigeria’s most iconic songs. These recreations are not just homages; they are bold reinterpretations that breathe new energy into timeless classics, showcasing the spirit of reinvention that defines our music.

70 Years of Music in Nigeria is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of innovation. It’s about documenting and honoring the artists, producers, and cultural movements that have brought us to this point while inspiring the next generation of creators to continue this legacy.

Through this exhibition, Popcentral continues its mission to inform, inspire, and engage. We are telling our stories through art, music, and creativity, spotlighting the significance of Nigerian music as a force that transcends borders and generations. This project is a testament to the enduring power of Nigerian artistry and its ability to shape the global narrative.