Years after Fela’s death, his legacy still lives in the hearts of Nigerians evident in the unfolding incidents in our country and Africa at large which he ‘prophesied’. His art, struggle, passion and patriotism are now being celebrated all over the world through Broadway shows, books, films and the annual Felabration Music Festival.
ASIRI as a brand is a proud partner of the just concluded Felabration Festival and to have been part of the pre-festival preparations and planning with the likes of Ms. Yeni Anikulapo Kuti; founder and Mr. Theo Lawson; President of the Organizing committee was a great honour.
The Festival began with the premier of the documentary film ‘Finding Fela’ by the Oscar winning director Alex Gibney on the 5th of October 2014 at the Shrine. The film gave more insights into the identity of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti; his life and struggle for proper Pan-Africanism. It was attended by crème de la crème of the society; Fela’s former Manager, Rikki Stein, Ogun State Commissioner of Tourism, Ace Film Maker Tunde Kelani,Lemi Ghariokwu and many more.
The Felabration Festival proper started the next day, it promised to be an exhilarating 7 days of topnotch music and entertainment.
The Day 1 of the Festival was a symposium and 6th edition of the Fela Debates,titled the “Amalgamation of the People of the Niger area”. It was moderated by Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the guest for the debate includes Prof Sophie Oluwole, and Edward Emeka Keazor Esq whose talk took us all back to the the core of what culture and tradition means and how much we’ve moved away from the path of truth.
The festival pulled through with minor hitches as there were Performances from various artistes who came on stage to entertain and be entertained. There were special moments during the festival; Wizkid’s performance and the reunion of the Nigerian RnB duo Style Plus performing their number one hit “Olufunmi”. Reggaee Icon “Don Carlos” and Afro-beat Prince Femi Kuti also gave mind blowing performances at the close of the 2014 Felabration Festival.
So,even after his death,Fela Anikulapo Kuti still maintains his presence amongst the living. His culture, his struggle,his battles,his scars still stands today as a brand..The FELABRATION Brand…
Call him Fela,call him Baba 70,some call him Abami Eda. We call him Eleniyan,his legacy would live on forever,and this is just the beginning.
For Ever Lives Africa.. #Legends #WhonoKNOWgoKNOW #Felabration
