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Tag: Felabration

  • Felabration 2022: Artwork, Afrobics dance, and fashion competitions to kick off festival

    Felabration 2022: Artwork, Afrobics dance, and fashion competitions to kick off festival

    Artwork, Afrobics dance, and fashion competitions have been listed as the three major competitions to kick off the 2022 Felabration, which is aimed at providing a platform for young creatives to attain enviable heights.

    According to the organisers, the 2022 annual festival of music and arts commemorating the life and times of Nigeria’s foremost musical icon, the late great Fela Anikulapo Kuti will begin on Thursday, September 29 with the artwork competition.

    Speaking on the competitions, one of the judges for the Afrobics dance competition, Funke Kuti noted that the competitions were carefully created to be a platform for young creatives in arts, fashion, and dance while commemorating the legacies of the legendary Afrobeat progenitor.

    The artwork competition is scheduled to be held at the Kalakuta museum. With the theme, ‘Fear not 4 man,’ three winners are expected to emerge in the art competition. The second runner-up will go home with N100,000, the first runner-up will win N150,000 and the winner will be presented with a cash prize of N250,000.

    Felabration is an annual music festival conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of her father Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist known for pioneering the afrobeat genre of music. The one-week-long event which is held annually at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, attracts visitors from different countries and has thus been considered as an official tourist destination by the Lagos State Government.

    Felabration is held on the week of Fela Kuti birthday. The event features musical performances from top music acts from Nigeria and guest appearances from internationally acclaimed musicians and personalities.[3] It also consists of street parades, symposia on social and topical issues, debates and photo exhibitions.

    2015 edition: “Just Like That”

    The first time the festival was held, it  took place from 12th – 18th october, 2015 at the famous Afrika shrine, Ikeja, Lagos State.

    Felabration 2022: Artwork, Afrobics dance, and fashion competitions to kick off event

    This years edition kicked off with a symposium titled ” Human Rights As My Property” and the session was anchored by Honourable Sasore, former Attorney General of Lagos State.[6] There was also the annual fela debates for secondary schools tagged ” Poverty Is Not An Acccident”.

    The festival had legendary performances from Star acts like Third World: an international reggae group, 2face, Femi Kuti, Ice Prince and a surprise performance by Majek Fashek.

    2020 virtual edition: “Fight to Finish, Fight to Win”
    The festival took place last from 15–17 October 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic rocking the world at the time of the festival and the restriction on gatherings and activities, the organisers choose to hold the festival virtually.

    This was the first time the festival was held virtually. The Festival kicked started with a Felabration symposium titled “Colomentality” which was anchored by a Ugandan journalist and broadcaster Vincent Magombe.

    Some of the speakers at the symposium includes Arikana Chihombori, former permanent representative to the African Union Mission in Washinghton and Kweku Mandela, a filmmaker and producer from South Africa.

    Other activities in the festival included the “Dress Like Fela Challenge” where fans compete to imitate the dressing of the legendary Fela and the winner goes home with fifty thousand naira.

    There was also the secondary school debates, art festivals and other events that preceded the festival. There were also musical performances from Wizkid, 2baba, Joeboy, Falz and a host of other afrobeat musicians.

  • Felabration: I would advise Nigerians to emulate virtues of Fela-79-year-old ex-manager

    Felabration: I would advise Nigerians to emulate virtues of Fela-79-year-old ex-manager

    Mr Rikki Stein, ex-manager of the late afro-beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to emulate the sterling virtues of Fela.

    Stein, who worked with Fela for 15 years, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview in Lagos. Stein, aged 79, flew in from London to celebrate the life and times of Anikulapo-Kuti at the ongoing Felabration.

    He said that the late legendary musician had virtues he appreciated, listing them to include courage, truthfulness, bluntness and genuine love for the common man.

    Stein urged Nigerians and Africans generally to uphold the virtues to live peacefully and achieve greatness.

    “The late Fela had clarity of purpose to fight for the rights of the common man selflessly. I advise Nigerians to emulate such virtues which will help individuals to achieve greatness,” he said.

    Stein applauded the sponsors of Felabration. He said that the late musician deserved to be celebrated, describing him as a human rights fighter, who used music to correct societal ills.

    He urged Nigerian youths to explore Anikulapo’s music and draw inspiration from it to effect positive changes in society.

    “I am 79-year-old now, I look forward to a great Nigeria and Africa before I die; this is what Fela wanted to achieve,” he said.

     

  • Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Praiz, Chinko Ekun, others excite fans on Felabration Day 4

    Felabration, an annual music festival, organised to celebrate the life and music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Afrobeats maestro, is in full swing.

    The 2019 edition of the event, which began on October 14th, will end on October 20th.

    Fans have been entertained by various artistes and activities at the New Afrika Shrine, where the event is holding.

    Thursday was another unforgettable moment as Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Praiz, Chinko Ekun and others entertained the Afrobeat enthusiasts.

     

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wFvvSjfeX/

  • Burna Boy, CDQ, others thrill fans on day 2 Felabration 2019

    Burna Boy, CDQ, others thrill fans on day 2 Felabration 2019

    Afrofusion artiste, Burna Boy lighted up the 2nd day of the ongoing music fiesta ‘ Felabration’. The crowd cheered and jeered as the ‘Dangote’ crooner performed his hit songs.

    The event is holding from October 14 to 20, at the new Afrika Shrine in Lagos, with both local and international artistes slated to perform.

    Indigenous rapper, CDQ also performed on Tuesday 16th of October. The enthusiastic rapper thrilled his fans who couldn’t get enough of his songs.

    This year’s edition, tagged “From Lagos with Love”, opened on Monday at Neca Hall with a talk show on the topic, ‘Teacher don’t teach me nonsense’.

    The panel includes Bobi Wine, Ugandan singer and politician; Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie and Wole Soyinka; award-winning writers, and Akala, British rapper.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rA_uPDjpC/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qKpLpAXcZ/

     

  • Kudos, knocks trail Felabration 2018

    It was a mixed bag of kudos and knocks as fans of late Afrobeat music maestro, Fela Kuti gathered at New Afrika Shrine to mark the 80th posthumous birthday of the Afro-beat maestro.
    The week-long music fiesta finally ended on Sunday, 21st of October 2018 with the fans soaked in the intensity of not just good music, but also the atmosphere no thanks to marijuana and cigarette smoke that saturated the air and skoochies that flowed freely at the concert .
     

    The sweet and sour memories will remain indelible in the minds of the ‘worshippers’ gathered at the music ‘sanctuary’.
    The Afrika Shrine which is usually at the peak of its life during Felabration became electrified on Sunday as the ‘congregrants’ wanted to partake in the grand finale.
     

     
    In the dead of that Sunday night, the well-lit premises of the shrine was crowded by fun seekers who wanted to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside the hallowed entertainment arena.
    Svelte humour merchant, Omo Baba was the sole host of the week -long concert. It was a show of fun and razzmatazz spiced with exciting music performances from Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Pasuma, Omawumi, Adekunle Gold, Daddy Showkey, Oritsefemi, Davido, Simi, Wande Coal, Doyinsola, Timaya, Niniola and others.
     
    High points
    Felabration 2018 had so many unforgettable exciting moments that will remain etched in the minds of those who attended. Below are some of those moments.
     
     

    Unlimited entertainment
    Felabration has officially become the only Nigerian concert where you would undoubtedly get entertained without breaking the bank. The kind of stage dexterity and vocal deftness exhibited was laudable. The likes of Pasuma, 2face Idibia, Sound Sultan, and Davido who are usually heavily paid for such events gave incredible performances and also performed alongside their live bands.
     
     
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpSA9jPhrIK/?taken-by=thenewsgurung
     
    Osinbajo’s cameo appearance
    Who would expect to see the revered Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the shrine? However with wild excitement from the audience and cheers, the Vice president made a cameo appearance on the stage. He was dressed in shiny black native attire, beaming with smiles.
    After a warm reception led by Femi Kuti, the Vice president started his speech with ‘Arararara’ being the slang expression with which Fela used to tickle his fans. He said: “We are here to celebrate one of Africa’s public intellectuals, we are happy that his legacy has continued”.
     
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpPVbMxHsob/?taken-by=thenewsgurung
     
     
    Made Kuti’s moment of glory
    Making a surprise appearance at about past 2a.m, when most people were still having a great time sipping their alcohol and smoking Marijuana, the crowd went wild with jubilation as Femi Kuti mounted the stage.
    The high-point of his performance was when his son, Made played the saxophone and surprisingly sustained a note on the saxophone for over 5 minutes, just like his father does. The crowd cheered him on and his held that note with dexterity.
     
    The Sour Moments
    Life itself is a blend of sweet and sour moments. The sour moments couldn’t just be ignored at Felabration 2018.
     
    Disregard for journalists
    Though the organisers did their best to treat journalists who covered the week-long concert well, the overzealous bouncers and members of the Felabration planning committee still assaulted some journalists despite wearing their press tags. A particular journalist was manhandled by the security men despite wearing his press tag. Anyone who tried to caution or call them to order got a taste of their brutality.
     
    The Davido stampede
    Just like Wizkid’s arrival at Felabration of 2017 last year, Davido’s arrival at the Shrine can be compared to a melodrama. The Afro-pop star arrived in the company of his crew which included his security detail, personal bouncers and artistes. It took the joint effort of mobile policemen and security agents attached to the Shrine to put the crowd at bay.
     
    Discomfort
    Everyone who attended the grand finale of Felabration on that Sunday had something to say about the tale of discomfort as the main hall, gallery and VIP sections were filled to capacity, despite charging a gate fee of N1,000.
    The temperature was too hot as sweat flowed freely on the faces of the attendees.The ceiling fans were not enough to make everyone be at ease.

  • Davido dares INEC, declares Adeleke as ‘Governor’ Of Osun

    Davido dares INEC, declares Adeleke as ‘Governor’ Of Osun

    Effervescent singer, Davido shocked his fans at the just concluded Felabration 2018 concert held at the New Afrika Shrine , Ikeja, Lagos.
    Midway into his performance with Mayorkun , the outspoken entertainer declared his uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke winner of the Osun governorship election.
    Recall that Davido had opposed the result of the rerun election, stating that PDP supporters were not allowed to vote in some LGs by some APC thugs.
    Claiming that Adeleke truly won the Osun rerun, He said, “I want to give a shout-out to His Excellency, Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State.”
    The 21st edition of the much anticipated annual music festival, Felabration 2018, marking the 80th posthumous birthday of afro-beat maestro, Fela finally ended on Monday morning , October 22nd, 2018.

  • Felabration2018: Davido ends concert on an unforgettable note

    Nigerian pop star, Davido ended the 7-day long music festival, Felabration 2018 on an unforgettable note.
     
    The bubbly singer concluded the event with the performance of some of his hit songs.
     
    The crowd cheered and screamed as the singer moved from one song to another with energy and melody.
     
    Davido mounted the stage after the likes of 2face,Wande Coal, Sound Sultan, Slim Case and others had performed.
     
     
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpOWq82hUOK/?taken-by=afrikashrine
     
     

  • Felabration2018: Seun Kuti, Small Doctor, Solid Star others dazzle on day 6

    This year’s annual musical concert celebrating the life and times of Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, tagged ‘Felabration’ became intense on Saturday 20th of October with artistes like Seun Kuti, Solid Star, Small Doctor and others lighting the stage.
     


    The sweet- voiced Small Doctor mounted the stage thrilling the excited crowd to his hit songs like ‘Penalty’.
     

    Afro-pop crooner, Solid Star also brought in another dimension of energy as he mounted the stage with his trade mark melodious voice.
     
    The high-point of the night was when Seun Kuti mounted the stage armed with his saxophone and dexterously thrilling the crowd. It was indeed a unforgettable night.

  • Felabration2018: Daddy Showkey, Reminisce, Vector, others excite fans on day 5

    On Friday October 19th 2018, the fifth day of the fun filled music fiesta, Felabration, Daddy Showkey, Reminisce, Vector and others artistes made the concert a memorable one with their exhilarating performances.
     

    The self-proclaimed Ghetto Soldier, Daddy Showkey performed his hit songs, taking his fans down memory lane. The crowd cheered as the dancehall singer thrilled them to his effervescent melody.

    Alaga Ibile, Reminisce took the music lovers gathered at the New Afrika Shrine on a journey filled with excitement and entertainment as he delivered his indigenous rap songs with passion.
    Yahoo crooner, Olumide Maintain also gave a good account of himself as he mounted the stage performing songs like ‘Yahoozee’ as his fans cheered him on.
    In the same vein, Vector came on stage with so much energy , basking in the euphoria of the already excited fans.
     
     

    Over the years, Felabration has been widely celebrated by fans both within and outside the country and has attracted a wide pool of superstars from all over the world like Hugh Masakela, Wizkid, Lucky Dube, Awilo Longomba, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Burna Boy, Lagbaja, Asa, to name a few.
     
    This year’s edition which is themed ‘Overtaking Overtake‘ coincides with the 80th post-humous celebration of the life of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
    Artistes like Kwam 1, Mr Real, Seun Kuti and others will be gracing the Felabration stage today, 20th of October 2018.
     
     

  • Felabration2018: Pasuma, Adekunle Gold, Niniola, others light up day 4

    As the 2018 edition of Felabration gets intense, more and more musicians continue to grace the stage.
     
    For the fourth day, Pasuma, Reekado Banks, Omawumi, Adekunle Gold and others added glamour and fun to the event with their unforgettable performances.

     
    The annual event held in memory of the late Abami Eda, started on Monday October 15 at its traditional home of the Afrikan Shrine.
    On Thursday, October 18, Pasuma performed his groovy Fuji tunes with the crowd cheering him on.
     
    Niniola also combined her vocal dexterity and sex appeal using those weapons to wow the crowd.
     
     
    In the same vein, Omawumi and Adekunle Gold also mounted the Felabration stage with so much melody that melted the hearts of the crowd.
     

    Black Magic, Reekado Banks also entertained the crowd with their rich African sounds.
    The high-point of the night was when Femi Kuti joined Niniola on stage. It was a great moment to behold.
     
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHpBhkBVvV/?tagged=felabration2018
     
     
    As usual, the night witnessed a large turnout of fans, both regular visitors, foreigners and first timers on the first day of the festival.