17 years after, Fela is still regarded as people’s champion


The enviable place of Fela Anikulakpo Kuti as one of world’s notable music legends was re-asserted last Sunday, when Jamaican legendary reggae star, Don Carlos, leading local and foreign artistes, closed this year’s edition of the annual musical concert tagged “Felabration”, writes BENJAMIN NJOKU


Fela died seventeen (1997) years ago. But every year, thousands of fun seekers across the world
throng the New Africa Shrine, in Ikeja, Lagos, to keep his legacies alive. This year was no exception. Celebrated under the theme, “Who No Know Go Know” this year’s Felabration re-echoed the strong belief that Fela never dies but lives on.

The week-long festival climaxed last Sunday, but not without funfare. At the New Afrika Shrine venue of the final night of the festival, it was a celebration of the life and times of Fela. Leading other notable local and international artistes to celebrate the man whose impact on the world music scene lives on, was legendary Don Carlos. Don was performing for the first time in Nigeria.
However, enticing with its décor, ambiance and the historical reflection of the legacies of Fela, the shrine came alive from 9 pm when the Gangbe Brass Band from Benin Republic opened the concert.
The eight-man band, which mixes traditional Benin idioms and invigorates them with jazz harmonies, performed a number of Afrobeat songs, with Femi Kuti, son of Fela, joining them on stage for a short duet.

After their captivating performance, notable Nigerian artistes including Styl Plus, Olaitan Adeniji and his Heavywindz Band, Eda O tan Band, Orezi, Isla Kauche (Olumide Bamigboye), Weird MC, Oritsefemi, Harrysong, and Kcee (who stunned the audience as he gave out $1,500 cash prize to two fun seekers that excelled during a dance competition) took turns to thrill the audience.
But the crowd erupted into uncontrollable excitement at exactly 12.45 am when Don Carlos came on stage. His stage presence and energetic performance, even at 62, got him a resounding ovation from thousands of fun seekers who waited patiently to behold their the legendary reggae star perform on stage.

Below are videos from the festival...........

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