Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
A vibrant exhibition celebrating the life, music, and revolutionary spirit of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to open in Lagos on October 12, promising to immerse visitors in the enduring legacy of the late pioneer.
Titled “ _Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion,”_ the 10-week cultural program, running through December 28, is organized by the Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Kuti family, and Ecobank.
The exhibition, hosted at Ecobank’s Pan-African Centre (EPAC), will feature a dynamic mix of archival materials, music, cinema, talks, workshops, fashion, and youth engagement activities. Originally curated by the Philharmonie de Paris – Cité de la Musique in 2022, the project drew 60,000 visitors in just one month during its Paris run. Now, enriched with additional archives and deep involvement from the Kuti family, the Lagos edition promises an even more immersive experience.
At a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Laurent Favier, Consul-General of the French Embassy, expressed pride in supporting the tribute.
“France has long been a champion of Fela’s music and activism.
In the 1980s, he captivated the French press, sparking the ‘Fela phenomenon.’ This exhibition reflects our ongoing cultural partnership with Nigeria, built on mutual respect,” Favier said.
Project Lead and Culture Producer for Afrobeat Rebellion, Onoshiokhue Ako, emphasized the exhibition’s intergenerational appeal.
“This is more than an exhibition—it’s a living celebration of Fela’s legacy. From the Young Rebels’ Corner for children to spaces for elders who knew Fela, it connects us all. We’re grateful to Ecobank for hosting and to the Kuti family for their invaluable contributions,” she said.
Founder of June Creative Art Advisory, Curator Seun Alli, highlighted the need to reframe Fela’s story beyond stereotypes.
“Too often, Fela is reduced to songs like ‘Zombie’ or myths about his life.
“This exhibition repositions him as a public intellectual whose music and philosophy challenged oppression and inspired hope across Africa and beyond,” Alli stated.
Omoboye Odu, Ecobank’s Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations, underscored the bank’s role in hosting the event.
“Fela’s legacy is a global treasure. Hosting Afrobeat Rebellion at EPAC is a proud moment, celebrating Africa’s creative resilience,” Odu said.
Femi Kuti, Fela’s son, expressed gratitude for the recognition of his father’s impact.
“It’s heartwarming to see Fela’s vision still
resonate. People continue to understand what he stood for—freedom, justice, and truth,” he said.
As Lagos prepares to host this cultural landmark, the exhibition aims to honor Fela’s role as a musical revolutionary and intellectual force, ensuring his message of resistance and hope echoes for generations to come.
NAN
