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Tag: Felabration

  • HOW 7UP THRILLED GUESTS AT FELABRATION 2015

    HOW 7UP THRILLED GUESTS AT FELABRATION 2015

    AS Nigerians gathered to celebrate the life and times of music icon and Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti at the annual Felabration, soft drink brand, 7Up decided to throw its weight behind this year’s festivities.

    The weeklong celebration which took place mainly inside the African Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, witnessed quite a number of activities including a debate for Senior Secondary Schools titled Poverty is Not an Accident like Slavery and Apartheid, a symposium as well as a drama presentation titled Fela Son of Kuti.

    Felabration 2015, tagged Just Like That started on Monday October 12 and ended on Sunday October 18, attracting international icons such as Seyi Shay; Rainmaker, Majek Fashek; Tuface Idibia, Third World, MI, Sandra Izsadore, Daddy Showkey and king of Afrobeat, Femi Kuti and London based London Afrobeat.

    Others are Yemi Alade, who continued her “search” for ‘Johnny’; Afrobeat Prince, Seun Kuti, dancehall MC, General Pype amongst many other acts that performed at the 7Up sponsored Felabration.

    The massive crowd at the shrine could fill up a standard football stadium with many fans outside who couldn’t get in but still remained as they enjoyed ice cold 7Up and also got 7Up branded T-shirts with pictures of Fela on it.

    In the words of the Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Norden Thurston, “Fela is an international brand who made a difference in this world with his music and 7Up is an international brand that continues to make a difference in the life and passion of people globally through music, education and sports.”

    One of the highlights of the festival was the return of the Rainmaker, Majek Fashek who did not disappoint teeming fans as they screamed with excitement with every tune the legend sang in reminiscence of the musician’s hay days.

    Felabration is the annual music and entertainment concert which started in 2000 and dedicated to the ideals of Fela who died in August 2 1997.

  • Lagos State Model College wins Felabration Schools Debate

    Lagos State Model College wins Felabration Schools Debate

    It was a flurry of ideas at Freedom Park, venue of this year’s edition of the Felabration Schools Debate, as secondary school students came together share their notions on the topic Poverty is not an accident, a quote famed by the late South African President, Nelson Mandela.

    After bouts of competing, ten finalists emerged; Epe Grammar School; Aunty Ayo Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikoyi, Lagos; Kings College, Lagos; Vivian Fowler Memorial School for Girls, Oregun, Lagos; Metropolitan Senior College, Isolo, Lagos; Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu Lagos; Dowen College, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos; Lagos State Senior Model College, Ikosi, Agbowa, Lagos; Meiran Community High School, Meiran, Lagos. Queens College; one of the ten finalists failed to show up.

    Individual speakers had five minutes to argue in favour of their positions. The schools that emerged at the end of the first segment were Kings College, Epe Grammar School, Aunty Ayo Comprehensive Secondary School, Dowen College, and Lagos State Senior Model College, Meiran. The speakers were then given five minutes to further make their points.

    After the final round, Lagos State Senior Model College, Ikosi, Agbowa won the competition. Kings College came second, while Dowen College came third. The competitors representing each of the top three schools won a tablet, and mini laptop each, while all nine participating schools each received a 32 inch Sharp LED Flat screen television set.

    Moderated by comedian and TV host, Teju Babyface, professionals who served as the panel of judges were Adesuwa Oyenokwe, a seasoned broadcaster/Publisher; Kunle Bakare, a Publisher; Olajide Bello, a renowned legal practitioner; Morayo Afolabi Brown, an On Air Personality as well as Jumoke Alawode James, a Media Consultant.

  • AS FELABRATION 2015 KICKS OFF

    AS FELABRATION 2015 KICKS OFF

    IT is that time of the year again, as the 2015 edition of Felabration, a celebration of the music heritage, life and times of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti comes in full swing on Monday, October 12.

    According to the organisers, the annual international music festival will parade a variety of music stars from within, and outside the country. Some of the acts slated to perform are, Third World: An international reggae group and the Newen Afrobeat Band from Chile. Also likely to perform is Lauren Hill, and a host of A list Nigerian musicians.

    Felabration is the brainchild of Yeni Kuti, the legend’s eldest offspring, and is held every year in honour of the Afrobeat creator, and music icon.

    With the theme, Just Like That, this year’s edition officially kicked off with a debate for secondary schools on Tuesday, October 6 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. Public and private schools alike slugged it out as they debated the topic, Poverty Is Not An Accident, a quote made famous by the late Nelson Mandela.

    The NECA building at the Central Business District, Alausa will host the annual Fela Debates symposium. The topic for this year, Human Rights is my Property, will be moderated by the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. Also speaking will be Sandra Izsadore, who was instrumental to redirecting Fela’s music perception from American styled Jazz to the Rhythms of Africa, Afrobeat. Also speaking will be Prof Chidi Odinkalu of the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Mr. Kunle Ajibade. Journalist; and renowned human rights activist; Mrs. Ayo Obe.

    From Monday October 12, the festival’s official home, the New Afrika Shrine, will come alive later that night, with the first batch of performers taking the stage. The events will run from Monday till Sunday 18 October, with daytime carnivals and road shows on major streets in the Lagos axis.

  • Road to Felabration 2015

    Road to Felabration 2015

    Only God can forgive those who think that Fela Anikulapo Kuti was just a smoker and serial womanizer during his life time. Over the years, the iconic legend of Afrobeat, has remained relevant, not only to Nigerians but to music lovers world over.

    Undoubtedly, Fela, who died on August 2, 1997, made an impact on the society during his time.

    His unique music has attracted many musicians and individuals.  Moreso, his lifestyle and habit made him a brand many people wanted to associate with. Unfortunately for copycats, they found it difficult and failed to get the Fela edge. Nevertheless, Fela wannabes, through emulation, ensure that the icon lives on.

    Fela was typically extolled for using his music as a potent weapon to fight injustice, military tyranny and oppression while also advocating for a better Nigeria, nay Africa. He dared the Nigerian government of his time for entrenching corruption and human rights abuses. His view as regards socio-cultural trend was beyond ordinary. Indeed, he was the Abami Eda (The Strange One). In that light, it might not be erroneous if anyone proclaims Fela as a prophet of his time. His words, especially through his music reverberated with prophetic outcomes. Many of what he sang about happened or are still happening, making him very relevant in present times.

    While alive, Fela was also known for being on the side of the people. His commune, the Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja, Lagos, which is currently a museum, was home to many. He stood on what he believed to be right without fear, which attests to the fact that he was a brave man, even if he did suffer several beatings by military goons and devious prison terms for maintaining his stance.

    And since Fela’s death, his family members, associates and advocates, have been holding his memories and legacies aloft through the annual week-long festival of music tagged Felabration.

    Felabration attracts thousands of people from across the world to the New Africa Shrine to keep his legacies alive in grand style. This year’s Felabration would be different – it promises to be a grander celebration of arguably the most iconic multi-instrumentalist ever to come out of Africa.

  • Felabration: Preparations in full swing

    Felabration: Preparations in full swing

    Preparations to hold the annual anniversary of the death of Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, tagged Felabration, is in full swing. This year’s event series, according to the organisers, will hold from October 12 to 18.

    An annual event, Felabration is a celebration the life and times of the Afrobeat icon, and chronicles his ideals, and everything he lived for.

    The brainchild of Fela’s eldest child, Yeni Kuti, fondly referred to as YK, Felabration was conceived in 2008. The event holds during the week of Fela’s birthday. The Afrobeat Musical Festival, which takes the form of a carnival, consists of a series of events which include photo exhibitions, symposia, musical performances, and street parades, and holds at the New Afrika Shrine.

    The event organisers on their website announced the theme of this year’s fest as Just like that. The event, organisers say, and promises to have on stage the likes of Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Davido, amongst others.

  • Felabration: Organisers satisfied with Don Carlos

    Felabration: Organisers satisfied with Don Carlos

    FOR the members of the Felabration Organising Committee, the presence of the Jamaican reggae singer and composer, Don Carlos, at the recently held Felabration, which ended on Sunday, will be treasured for a long time.

    No wonder, the organisers have expressed satisfaction at the performance of the headline act at the annual event celebrating the memories of the late maverick singer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    A member of the Committee, who simply gave her name asTosin, said: “On the whole, I would say it was a success, although there is more to be done. Though we can still do more, we did our best to ensure that it was a success. When you bring somebody, you have to be satisfied. Don Carlos pretty much represented what we are trying to achieve as a celebration and as an international brand. Over everything, he did very well.”

    A festival of music of different genres, this year’s edition of Felabration also witnessed performances from the likes of Weird MC, Omo Baba, Wale, Olamide, Saeon, Duke Amayo, MC Bash and a host of others.

  • Felabration: Organisers satisfied with Don Carlos

    Felabration: Organisers satisfied with Don Carlos

    For the members of the Felabration Organising Committee, the presence of the Jamaican reggae singer and composer, Don Carlos, at the recently held Felabration, which ended on Sunday, will be treasured for a long time.

    No wonder, the organisers have expressed satisfaction at the performance of the headline act at the annual event celebrating the memories of the late maverick singer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    A member of the Committee, who simply gave her name asTosin, said: “On the whole, I would say it was a success, although there is more to be done. Though we can still do more, we did our best to ensure that it was a success. When you bring somebody, you have to be satisfied. Don Carlos pretty much represented what we are trying to achieve as a celebration and as an international brand. Over everything, he did very well.”

    A festival of music of different genres, this year’s edition of Felabration also witnessed performances from the likes of Weird MC, Omo Baba, Wale, Olamide, Saeon, Duke Amayo, MC Bash and a host of others.

  • Fela at Lagos museum

    Fela at Lagos museum

    Leo Entertainment in collaboration with the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos is showcasing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s sculptural works and portraits to  celebrate the late Afrobeat legend. The exhibition and music concert tagged The Fela You Don’t Know will hold on October 13 and 14 at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos at 9am daily.

    In October 2005, the Kuti family headed by Femi and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti children of the late music maestro, started celebrating the life and time of their father who passed on in 1997.

    This gave birth to  FELABRATION, which is celebrated in October to commemorate his birthday as well. Eight years on, the event has been held in several venues to immortalise Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; who lived and died for the cause of people and justice.

  • Unprecedented crowd at ‘Felabration’

    Unprecedented crowd at ‘Felabration’

    This  year’s edition of Fela’s memorial concert; Felabration ended in the wee hours of yesterday, treating music fans and admirers of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to a series of dramatic performances that somewhat rekindled the great memories of the Afrobeat precursor.

    Sunday night was the peak of the week-long music show that saw almost every known musician in Nigeria struggling for a slot on the stage, just to perform for free. Headliners for the last show were son of the music legend, Femi Kuti and visiting artiste, Ky-Mani Marley, son of late Reggae icon, Bob Marley, but Femi, could only do three songs, giving rooms for Ky-Mani and the huge line-up of volunteered singers to perform.

    Like a One Million Man Match, the crowd thronged the New Afrika Shrine, Agidingbi, Lagos, as though they were establishing one of Fela’s best known songs-Movement of the People (MOP), which incidentally was also the name of the political party formed in 1979. The crowd was unprecedented, but perhaps the greater surprise, was the security and crowd control, which did not leave room for pandemonium of any kind.

    The show could be said to be bigger than last year’s edition, further establishing the respect Nigerian artiste had for Fela, his music and philosophy. In spite of the increased sitting capacity, the Shrine could still not contain the crowd, throwing the entire environ into a street party. The presence of security agencies including the police, Civil Defense Corps, and men of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) enhanced the show’s credibility, and all that the regular orange dress-top ‘bouncers’ called ‘Shrine Police’ had to do, was to concern themselves with the orderliness within.

    It was amazing that by 4am on Monday, people were still queuing up to enter to enter the venue. One of the notable performances at the show was one by Burna Boy, who took of his dress, mimicking Fela’s act in his under pants. His show gave rise to murmur among the crowd, most of who felt that Fela, during his lifetime, never really performed in underwear. Worried that Burna Boy, who had closed the show, was the grandson of Benson Idonijie; Fela’s first manager, critics say he should know better. Fela was described as one of the best dresser, who rocked the stage with embroidered attire. The legend was said to be in pants during some of his private times. He was said to go topless only on Saturday night shows called the ‘Comprehensive Night’, where he also painted his face same days, for his traditional devotion.

    The show also featured prominent artistes including Fuji music exponent, King Wasiu Marshal (KWAM1), Afrojuju crooner, Sir Shina Peters and female rapper, Weird MC. Others were Tuface Idibia, M.I, Wizkid and Terry G.

     

  • Felabration in Movement of the People

    Felabration in Movement of the People

    THE 2013 edition of Felabration, a concert which celebrates the life and times of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is set to hold soon. As is traditional, this year’s theme is tied around the title of one of his best known songs, Movement of the People (MOP), which incidentally was also the name of the political party formed in 1979. MOP (the song) is in two parts-MOP 1 and MOP 2.

    The choice of this theme, as revealed by the Felabration committee, connects with one of Fela’s legacies as the only Nigeria musician to have a cult-like following. Even with his death 16 years ago, he still remains the only Nigerian entertainer with that reputation.

    Movement of the people as a vehicle of social engineering was a progression from Young African Pioneers, another mass movement platform initiated by Fela. It document Fela’s belief in inspiring a potent mass movement of people that could effect the type of changes he advocated on the African continent.

    This episode of a mass movement of people on a look distance walk was re-enacted at Fela’s death in 1997. Nigerians from all walks of life paid their tribute to a man they admired for various reasons by waving alongside his casket from the Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan-Lagos to Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja Lagos where his remains were buried.