Abuja alternate festival returns, promises global reach, creative rejuvenation

Abuja is set to witness a major cultural revival as popular media personality and entertainment entrepreneur, Momoh Pius Oshogwemoh, widely known as MC BluetoothCCFR, has announced the return of the Abuja Alternate Festival (AAF) in March 2026. The much-anticipated festival, organised by Bluetooth Entertainment, is expected to deliver a renewed celebration of alternative music, arts […]

Abuja is set to witness a major cultural revival as popular media personality and entertainment entrepreneur, Momoh Pius Oshogwemoh, widely known as MC BluetoothCCFR, has announced the return of the Abuja Alternate Festival (AAF) in March 2026.

The much-anticipated festival, organised by Bluetooth Entertainment, is expected to deliver a renewed celebration of alternative music, arts and creative industry development, positioning the nation’s capital as a major hub for non-mainstream sounds and innovation.

MC BluetoothCCFR, a seasoned On-Air Personality with Wazobia FM Abuja, has steadily built a reputation for championing alternative and genre-bending music through the AAF platform.

Since its debut in 2021, the festival has carved a niche as a sanctuary for artists whose sounds defy conventional trends, while maintaining high production standards and strong audience engagement.

The festival’s growing profile is anchored on the success of its previous editions. The last AAF, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Abuja), featured an impressive lineup of local and international performers.

Highlights included performances by international award-winning singer-songwriter Blessing Tangban, AFRIMA Award-nominated indie-alternate band The Isomers, Nigerian rock legend Bemsar, Nunu Eluma, Jarell Ebuka and other notable Rising icons who delivered unforgettable performances that cemented the AAF as the ultimate platform for discovery.

Since its inception, AAF has attracted thousands of attendees and earned recognition for its seamless logistics, premium sound quality and intimate yet energetic atmosphere.

Industry observers note that the festival has become a staple in Abuja’s cultural calendar, offering a platform for discovery and artistic expression.

A major boost to the festival’s growth came in 2022 when Momoh Pius and Bluetooth Entertainment emerged grantees of the British Council Creative Economy Support Programme (CESP).

According to MC BluetoothCCFR, the grant marked a turning point for the festival’s global ambitions.

“Winning the British Council grant allowed us to think beyond being just a local concert and start building a global production hub. Our mission is to show the world that Abuja is the epicentre of Nigerian creativity”, he said.

For 2026, organisers say the Abuja Alternate Festival will adopt a hybrid format combining physical experiences with expansive digital broadcasting.

Through a strategic partnership with Mob Urban Radio, the festival will be streamed to audiences in 193 countries, with an estimated reach of over two million virtual listeners.

The production is being supported by The Big One as design and image branding partner, and The Grill Hype handling publicity and management.

Organisers also disclosed that the festival is open to brand partnerships, offering businesses access to a diverse global audience.

Beyond music performances, the 2026 edition will feature digital industry sessions, legal interface workshops for creators, and a media roundtable focused on the African creative economy.

The programme will culminate in a grand finale live concert, marking a return to the high-energy performances that have defined the AAF brand.

Organisers describe the festival as more than a concert, but a movement aimed at rejuvenating Abuja’s creative ecosystem by protecting artists, amplifying alternative sounds and delivering unfiltered experiences.