The Socioeconomic Impact of Live Music Events on Local Economies in Imo State

This study examines the socioeconomic impact of live music events on local economies in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Live music events such as concerts, cultural festivals, and outdoor music shows generate direct and indirect economic activity through ticket sales, hospitality, transportation, vendor trade, and employment. Despite significant interest in the creative economy across Nigeria, empirical assessments of how music events contribute to local economic development in South East states remain scarce. This research investigates the revenue generated by major live music events held in Owerri between 2022 and 2024, tracing economic flows to event organisers, vendors, hotels, and transport operators. A mixed-methods design is employed, combining structured interviews with 15 event organisers, 40 vendors, and 10 local government revenue officers with analysis of available event permit and revenue documentation. The study also surveys audience members regarding spending patterns before, during, and after events. Theoretical grounding is drawn from creative economy frameworks, cultural economics, and recent African event tourism studies. Findings are expected to demonstrate measurable positive economic multiplier effects from live music events and will inform policy recommendations for government investment in cultural event infrastructure in Imo State. Keywords: Live music events, creative economy, Imo State, economic impact, event management.