LAGOS/Nigeria: This weekend marks the launch of “Music for Wildlife,” a groundbreaking concert series by Wild Africa in partnership with OAS1SONE, aimed at protecting the continent’s iconic wildlife. The series will be broadcast on Trace’s TV channels and streaming platform, reaching over 350 million people in 180+ countries.
In Nigeria, viewers can catch the shows on Trace Naija, channel 325 on DSTV. Produced by Wild Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving Africa’s wildlife, and OAS1SONE, a premium live content network, “Music for Wildlife” celebrates Africa’s creative talent and natural heritage on a global scale.
The series will feature an engaging blend of studio sessions, interviews, and captivating wildlife content. Aligned with Trace’s 21st Anniversary, performances will begin airing on June 21st across Trace’s 28 localized TV channels and the Trace+ global streaming platform.
Audiences will get an intimate look at Africa’s finest musicians, including chart-topping stars like Musa Keys, CKay, and Focalistic, along with emerging talents. These artists will share stories of their music, lives, and inspirations, while expressing their passion for endangered species. The concerts will also include special features from African and international stars such as Davido, 2Baba, Jackie Chan, Boity, and many more.
With over 150 musicians from across the continent, “Music for Wildlife” leverages the emotive power of music to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife conservation. This innovative approach comes at a crucial time, as Africa faces significant challenges from poaching, habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. According to WWF’s Living Planet Report, wildlife populations in Africa have declined by 66% in the last 50 years.
Nigeria, once home to rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, now faces alarming biodiversity loss. The country has just 50 West African lions, about 100 Cross River gorillas, and a few hundred elephants remaining. Nigeria also has the highest rate of deforestation globally, losing 3.7% of its forests annually and emerging as a hub for the illegal trade in pangolin scales and ivory.
However, African artists are not staying silent. From Johannesburg to Lagos, Accra to Windhoek, they are raising their voices against the threats facing wildlife and inspiring their audiences to connect with nature. Nigerian musicians such as 2Baba, Ckay, and Laycon are particularly vocal, working with Wild Africa beyond the “Music for Wildlife” campaign to combat illegal bushmeat, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade while promoting wildlife tourism.
A recent survey by Lagos-based Market Surveys International found that 88% of Nigerians are aware of Wild Africa’s campaign, with 97% of those aged 10-17 recalling it. Furthermore, 86% said they would no longer kill or consume bushmeat due to the campaign, and 31% reported stopping bushmeat consumption altogether.
The impact of these efforts is evident, as highlighted by Focalistic, a multi-award-winning artist: “Africans should care about protecting wildlife. Wildlife and national parks create jobs and attract tourists. Let’s use music and arts to protect our amazing wildlife.”
Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Trace Group, added, “African artists are powerful voices for wildlife protection. Trace is proud to host the ‘Music for Wildlife’ shows, which align with our values and initiatives.”
Jandre Louw, Founder and CEO of OAS1SONE, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to join this game-changing initiative, which will both protect Africa’s wildlife and showcase African artists to millions worldwide.”
Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa, emphasized the collaboration’s importance: “Partnering with Trace allows us to leverage the power of music to reach a global audience, highlighting issues that affect not only wildlife but the natural foundation of human life.”
“Music for Wildlife” represents a powerful union of music and conservation, mobilizing millions to protect Africa’s rich natural heritage.
