With the new government pledge to double the national economy to one trillion dollars by boosting all productive sectors, the creative and entertainment industry is one of the growth areas under focus. Two new ministries straddling arts, culture, entertainment, communications, technology, the digital economy, and innovation have been created to demonstrate seriousness of intent beyond rhetoric
THE 15th annual celebration of the enduring essence and legacy of the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, which opened on Monday October 9 with the ‘Fela Debates’ on the theme ‘Leveraging on the Global Rise of our Creative Economy,’ continues to bathe several sections of Lagos in lavish colour and generous sound of celebrations.
Aside the New Afrikan shrine, which serves. as the headquarters of the Felabration festival and as well as the main center, other centres around Lagos, for instance, Freedom Park, Lagos Island and Bature Brewery in victoria Island, are also hosting various events.
Freedom Park, the repurposed former Colonial Prison in the central business district, is hosting daily concerts and entertainment programmes on three stages: the Main stage, the Foodcourt stage and the Amphitheatre.
Events on themain stage are outlined below:
On the Park’s Amphitheatre stage, are the following:
ABOUT FELABRATION
AN annual festival of music and arts commemorating the life and times of Nigeria’s foremost musical icon, the late great Fela Anikulakpo Kuti. As a music brand, it is revered and highly influential. The idea and concept of Felabration as an annual celebration of Fela’s music, life, and times, originated from his eldest child Yeni who conceived it in 1998.
With the exception of 1999, Felabration has taken place annually. Currently, Felabration Event organized by the Felabration Organising Committee – has grown into a mega week-long musical event in Nigeria which attracts thousands of visitors annually to the New Africa Shrine from all over the world. Felabration is an official tourist destination of The Lagos State Government is a major sponsor of the event.
Over the years Felabration has attracted many high-class musical acts from all over the world. The roll call includes; Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Awilo, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Asa, TuFace, Sauti Sol, Seun Kuti, and many others. A testament to the global nature of the Felabration brand is when in 2008, over 50 international artists came together under the banner, African Express – from the United States, Great Britain, France, and Senegal – to perform at Felabration. Every year, Felabration features an exciting lineup of artists designed to satisfy the appetite of music lovers who throng the New Africa Shrine.
The Felabration Week always runs through the week of October, including the 15th day, ensuring that Fela’s posthumous birthday celebrations are part of the Festival. As the creator of Afrobeat, social critic, political activist, and champion of the underprivileged, as well as a philosopher of his own political ideology, Fela is still today, a hero to millions of people for his contributions to society.
Our festivals always include a range of activities attendees can engage in, such as ‘The Fela Debates’ symposium series, the Secondary Schools debate, the Afrobics Dance Competition, Art Exhibitions, Art Competitions, and lots more. We offer an exhilarating week-long experience celebrating the iconic status of Africa’s best-known musical figure, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti.
