The AFROCROISER Music Project brings French and Nigerian composers together in Lagos to create new works and deepen cross-border music collaboration

Mavin Records, the French Embassy in Nigeria and the French music rights organisation Sacem launched the AFROCROISER Music Project in Lagos unveiling a landmark collaboration between French and Nigerian composers aimed at expanding global music creation.

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The initiative, hosted at Mavin Records Studios in Lagos, brings together leading songwriters from both countries for an intensive songwriting camp running until January 25, 2026.

The project is designed to encourage artistic experimentation, collective creation and cultural dialogue between two of the world’s most influential music scenes.

Funded by the Création Africa programme of the French Embassy, AFROCROISER offers a week-long platform where participants combine creative approaches to explore new musical forms and innovative ways of working across borders.

On the French side, Sacem selected composers from diverse genres including pop, afro-pop, shatta and chanson.

The participants include Dany Synthé, Julio Masidi, Ozhora, PSK, Renaud Rebillaud, Seysey, Shannon and Voluptyk, all of whom have worked with major French and international artists such as Aya Nakamura, Gims, Booba, Vianney, Jul, Jason Derulo and Major Lazer.

Nigeria is represented by composers behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest global hits, including Mbryo, Andre Vibez, Magixx, Bayanni, Kold AF, Elestee, Deeno, Milar, Ragee and Ozedikus.

Their credits include chart-topping songs such as Calm Down by Rema, Rush by Ayra Starr and Unavailable by Davido.

The AFROCROISER Music Project marks the first time these talents are collaborating in a structured setting to explore creative intersections between Nigerian Afrobeats and French pop.

Organisers said works produced during the camp may be pitched to artists on the Mavin Records roster, including Rema and Ayra Starr, as well as leading French performers.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Publishing and Licensing Manager at Mavin Records, Kizito Ahams, said songwriting camps had become critical to shaping global hits.

Kizito Ahams described the project as a powerful opportunity for creative excellence, knowledge exchange and fair value creation across borders.

The Director of International Development at Sacem, Akotchayé Okio, said the project was rooted in the belief that musical creation thrives through encounters between cultures.

Akotchayé Okio said Lagos was a natural home for the initiative, describing the city as a dynamic hub at the heart of African music.

Also speaking, the Regional Music Attaché for Sub-Saharan Africa, Margaux Demeersseman, said the connections between France and Nigeria’s music industries had never been more relevant.

Margaux Demeersseman said the collaboration aimed to build lasting professional relationships between composers and publishing professionals from both countries.

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Organisers said AFROCROISER is intended to serve as a long-term bridge between two major music ecosystems, strengthening sustainable collaboration while reinforcing Africa’s growing influence on global pop culture.