PREPARATIONS have started for this year’s edition of Felabration, the festival initiated to celebrate Afrobeats founder, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who died on August 2, 1997.
Born on October 15, 1938, had he been alive, Fela would have celebrated his 80th birthday on October 15, 2018. Hence, organisers have themed this year’s festival as ‘Baba at 80: Overtaking Overtake’ with the theme song being ‘Overtake Don Overtake Overtake,’ one of Fela’s hit tune.
This year’s event holds between October 15, 2018 and October 21, 2018.
According to the organisers, the event kicks off on that Monday 15, with its traditional symposium discussions, ‘The FELA Debates.’ This is a segment of the annual festival which provokes intellectual discourse around topical contemporary African issues. These debates seek to engage today’s people in espousing ideas and ideals towards solving the myriad of problems confronting the African Continent. While organisers are yet to release the name of the chief speaker, last year’s chief speaker was renowned Kenya anti-corruption advocate, Prof. Patrick Lumumba. Nigerian vice president, Prof Yemi Osibajo, was also a previous speaker.
Also, the Secondary School Debates which pitches private schools against public schools in Lagos state will also hold.
However, the main event, the seven-day music concerts, begins on the night of the opening day, October 15, 2018. While top Nigerian artistes have indicated willingness to perform at the festival, plans are also in top gear to bring in some five star international musicians.
Also, two contents introduced last year – Felabration Art and Afrobeat Dance Competition – to mark the 20th anniversary of Fela’s death will make their second appearances this year.