The New Yam Music Festival 2025 will boost Enugu’s economy as global visitors celebrate Igbo culture, heritage, and creativity this December
The New Yam Music Festival (NYMF) is set to deliver a major economic boost to local businesses in Enugu as it welcomes thousands of global visitors to celebrate Igbo culture, creativity, and the harvest season.
Scheduled for December 14 and 15 at the Amadeo Event Center, the festival marks the traditional end of the Igbo farming year with a spectacular showcase of music, dance, masquerades, and cultural artistry.
Organisers announced on Monday that NYMF 2025 will feature an expanded lineup of cultural and musical performances by top Igbo artists, blending traditional sounds with modern creativity.
The event is expected to draw tourists, entrepreneurs, and Ndi Igbo from the diaspora, generating new opportunities across hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors.
Co-founder of the festival, Mr. Big Sea, described the NYMF as “a movement that reconnects people to their roots while opening the door for global audiences to experience the richness of African culture.”
The 2025 edition builds on the success of last year’s event, which attracted over 3,000 participants, including royal fathers, government officials, and cultural icons.
Supported by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture, this year’s festival is expected to be “bigger, louder, and more global.”
With previous editions held in Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK, Qatar, and China, NYMF 2025 is positioning Enugu as a premier hub for creativity and international cultural exchange.
Beyond performances, the festival will celebrate excellence in agriculture, business, arts, and community development, while bringing together global lifestyle brands to enhance visitor experiences.
Organisers say the NYMF’s mission is to bridge generations and geographies, honouring the enduring spirit of Igbo heritage, rhythm, and pride and ensuring that culture continues to drive both economic growth and cultural identity.