Hundreds of fans gathered at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, for the annual “Felebration” festival on Monday night.
The week-long event celebrates the life and activism of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who died in 1997 at the age of 58.
Fela Kuti is remembered for creating Afrobeat, a fusion of traditional African music, jazz, soul, and funk.
He was also a vocal critic of Nigeria’s military regimes, which led to his imprisonment in the 1980s.
His influence continues through his sons, Femi and Seun, and grandson Made, who carry on his musical and activist legacy.
The New Afrika Shrine, located in Lagos’s Ikeja district, is a rebuilt version of Kuti’s original venue and remains under his family’s management.
Its walls are adorned with portraits of Kuti, and it remains a hub for diverse audiences, open 24/7.
On Monday, young and old fans gathered for the free event, enjoying performances late into the night.
DJ Emmanuel Dre, 24, expressed admiration for Kuti, calling him “the greatest.”
Similarly, 52-year-old journalist Jesukri Imoni praised Kuti as “the man who stood for Africans.”
For many attendees, Kuti’s message remains relevant as Nigeria grapples with economic hardships and inflation, which hit 32 percent in August.
The festival’s attendees highlighted Kuti’s continued impact. “The music, the way he fought for human rights, is just beautiful,” said Bolarinwa Taiwo, an audience member.
Entrepreneur Ogunseye Oladokun, 45, noted that Kuti’s critique of government oppression decades ago still resonates with Nigerians today.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023, economic conditions have worsened, with skyrocketing inflation and soaring petrol prices.
Many attendees linked these issues to Kuti’s activism, saying his music continues to speak truth to power in Nigeria’s current crisis.
