Every year, fans of Afrobeat gather to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti at an annual festival called Felabration.
Felabration, the annual festival celebrating the life and legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is back from October 14th to 20th, 2024. This year’s theme, “Look and Laugh,” promises to bring humor, reflection, and cultural pride through Afrobeat music, art, and performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering Fela’s music, here are three great reasons why you shouldn’t miss this year’s Felabration.
1. Celebrate Fela’s Legacy and Impact on Music
Fela Kuti wasn’t just a musician; he was a revolutionary artist who used his music to challenge oppressive governments and fight for the rights of the common man. His unique fusion of jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms created a genre that still influences musicians today.
At Felabration, you’ll experience live performances that capture the essence of Afrobeat, with many artists paying tribute to Fela’s groundbreaking work. Attending this festival allows you to immerse yourself in his timeless music. It also helps you gain a deeper understanding of how it continues to inspire political movements and shape music globally.
2. Enjoy a Global Celebration of African Culture at Felabration
Felabration isn’t just about music—it’s a rich cultural experience. The festival features dance, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and even fashion displays, all centered around African culture and heritage.
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It’s a melting pot of global influences, drawing Afrobeat lovers, tourists, and creatives from across the world. You’ll meet people from all walks of life who share a passion for Fela’s music and Africa’s vibrant culture. This celebration provides the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and participate in a global conversation about African history, culture, and music.
3. Experience Lagos’ Legendary Party Scene
If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like to watch Fela perform live, the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja is the closest you can get to that experience today. It’s a major tourist attraction, and I hope to visit soon and do a post on it. From what I hear, Femi Kuti performs there on Thursdays (for free) and Sundays (for a fee), while his brother Seun Kuti takes the stage on the last Saturday of each month.
Fun fact – Fela’s original surname was Ransome Kuti, but he removed ‘Ransome,’ claiming it was a slave name, and replaced it with ‘Anikulapo,’ meaning ‘he held death in his pocket.’
With live performances from his sons and the electric atmosphere of the Shrine, Felabration gives you a taste of Fela’s enduring energy and influence.
Final Thoughts on Felabration
Felabration is more than just a tribute concert; it’s a pilgrimage, a festival of freedom, culture, and the enduring power of music. Whether you’re coming to honor Fela’s legacy, experience African culture on a global scale, or party in one of the world’s liveliest cities, Felabration promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with history, culture, and good vibes all in one place.
In honor of the father of Afrobeat, here’s a playlist of some of his legendary songs you can groove to
Ready to celebrate Fela’s legacy? Grab your tickets for Felabration 2024 and join the fun! And if you happen to be around Port Harcourt, I also hear Don Jon’s Playground in Port Harcourt is having their own version of a Felabration party. You can check it out too!
