Electronic Dance Music as a genre has never been mainstream in Nigeria. In fact, it’s a relatively newer genre in this region. Possibly due to the cultural differences between Nigeria’s percussion heavy Afrobeats and the synthesized sounds of EDM. However, the universality of music demonstrates how endless the possibilities are when different elements of music are synchronized and fused to create new exciting genres. This vision was one of the inspirations behind Afro-EDM, which blends Afrobeats’ rich cultural and musical elements, with contemporary synthesized sounds, and intense electronic beats, creating an intersection that has attracted a new audience to Electronic Dance Music.
Activity Festival was born out of a need to create a curated festival experience in celebration of EDM in Nigeria. So far, this controlled and curated EDM event transports hundreds of Nigerians on a multi-sensory journey, from one room into a trans-dimensional musical experience. The music festival takes place quarterly, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The most recent event, ASC3NSION, took place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at the Lekki Coliseum. It was such an exhilarating experience, especially for first-timers who felt like they were a part of such an explosive celebration of Afro-EDM. The festival did a commendable job by pacing the event, and providing a realistic, step-by-step induction into the genre.
ASC3NSION was curated by ace EDM DJ and Producer, B3AM who doubles as a co-convener of the festival, and an EDM-centric record label —Activity Records. The festival supports upcoming talents in the Afro-EDM space, and some of these artists made cameo appearances and curated opening sets at the beginning of the show.
One of the early sets of the night featured Zulu Tebeda and SL the DJ, who focused on building the audience’s vibe, by playing EDM versions of familiar Afrobeats and Afro-fusion jams, setting the pace and transporting the crowd on a layered journey to appreciate the genre. Subsequently, Sigag Lauren and Jamie Black delivered an explosive cross-over set, creating the perfect transition into heavier rhythms, climatic buildups, and deeper basslines.
B3AM’s set came through with a burst of energy, one only a headliner and chief curator like him could pull. At this time of the night, it was hard to tell who was a long-time raver from the first timers, as the energy in the room finally synced and created some sort of psychedelic euphoria. Global EDM artists, Karlo Wanny and Special One followed with a subversive performance that left the room stimulated, and wanting more.
Beyond the performances, the activity fest team crafted an enjoyable experience for adventure-seeking music enthusiasts exploring Afro-EDM in Nigeria. This experience is truly unconventional in every aspect, especially with how much organic energy it creates among the audience. More than just a festival, Activity Fest is positioning itself as a musical canvas, with a chance for the audience to paint their own unique experiences, syncing all the different elements with their own individual vibe. This is very distinct from the conventional Lagos festival style, and it’s a breath of fresh air for music enthusiasts and adventure-seeking Lagosians.