The 2016 edition of the globally heralded posthumous birthday of our very best- Fela Anikulapo-kuti started on its usual eclectic mood. Of course; the legendary Afro beat initiator would not have wished for a fiesta that short fall of creativity; Merry and genuity: an attribute he displayed even amidst chaos and anarchy.
As part of preparation for this auspicious week long occasion ; all forms of media have been awashed with plethora of information; one so expected of an extraordinary man-Abami Eda.
The African Shrine; a facility founded by Fela himself and remains a memorabilia for the great works he embarked upon while he was alive will be playing host to guest from across the world. In same vein Freedom park; a former colonial prison yard now occupied by the nature friendly ambience which also stands as symbol of equality and liberty-part of what Fela represented.
Freedom Park,Lagos as well as African shrine simultaneously kicked off with several’s of both intellectual and social programmes beginning from Monday 9th October 2016.
Every night of each day featured various musicians/performers who had come to pay their glowing tributes to the one who possesses death in my pouch cum quintessential activist.
The fourth day witnessed unforgettable experience made possible by a seasoned songstress and didactic dancer Aduke Aladekomo . Well known for her sultry voice and exquisite display a charm of royalty and excellence; she didn’t disappoint. Under the serene atmosphere and sheds of the tress; winds blew generously foretelling of the emergence of this charming essence from the back stage.SSV band enthralls the crowd with a unique feel of the orchestra of Fela’s monstrous hits-Basket mouth while Water No get Enemy was the diva’s thrilling opener . She swings in steadied yet energetic style while the band did justice to the evergreen sounds,plus her own original tunes.
Her chorus was seemingly as Fela’s and by the time she bridged for the anecdote’ Let me hear you say yeah yeah ; everyone was tempted to respond ‘Yeah Yeah’. Her rendition of Beast of No Nation was exceptional and by the time the last key and note came to a pause; thunderous applause was given as a token.
Aduke, who just got back from a 3 months tour in the US will also be performing at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday. The festivals continues and ends on Sunday 16th.
Image Credit:TOJ Photos
