Fela

The Felabration committee members. Nike, left, Yeni Kuti, third right, Theo Lawson, the chairman. Photo Credit: Ayodele Efunla

Felabration 2017 logo. Photo Credit: Ayodele Efunla

By Jennifer Okundia

Popular annual music concert, Felabration, held in memory of late afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is set to hold again in October 2017.

This year’s concert is a remarkable one as today August 2 marks the day Fela died and also the 20th anniversary of felabration since its inception in 1997. The theme is: ”The Prophecy”.

In a press conference which held today at the Kalakuta Museum in Allen, Lagos, the organizing committee, consisting of the chairman Theo Lawson, Sam Onyemelukwe, (Trace TV MD) Yeni, Kunle, Nike and Funke Anikulapo Kuti, it was revealed that the concert would take place at different venues such as the New Africa Shrine, Freedom Park, Kalakuta Museum and some other venues from October 9th to 15th, 2017.

Felabration 2017 gift for the best supporting medium. The Felabration committee members. Nike, left, Yeni Kuti, third right, Theo Lawson, the chairman.. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla

The much anticipated concert will comprise secondary school debate between private and public schools (where the winner goes home with a drum set as opposed to a computer which has been the take home prize in recent years), a symposium by Prof Patrick Lumumba, dancing competition, street carnival, dress like Fela street festival, Afrobeat dance competition, Int’l art competition, documentary on Felabration since its inception, tourist package covering Fela’s live spaces (Birthplace in Abeokuta, Night clubs e.t.c), fund raising exercise, live streaming in Ibadan, Abuja, Uyo, and a seven-day musical concert.

Fela’s dance queens will feature during the events. The committee said further that it was their wish that if they could raise money, they would invite Stevie Wonder, Wyclef, Alicia Keys, Sauti Sol (kenya), Kaffy and a host of other Nigerian artistes.

Supporters of this year’s event consists of the Lagos State government that has indicated interest in sponsoring the Notting hill Carnival in London, 7up, Cool FM, Wazobia TV, Nutrimilk as well as Trace TV which is now an official Felabration partner.

When asked why Abeokuta has not been part of felabration, since it is Fela’s hometown, Yeni replied that ” All efforts to make the Ogun state govt approve the celebration has proved abortive.