Photo of the Week: Levitating Fela

Felabration 2024 draws near, 14 to 20 October. Felabration is an annual festival honoring Nigeria’s musical icon, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti. Conceived by Yeni Kuti in 1998, this celebration of Fela’s life and music has been held annually, with the exception of 1999. Organized by the Felabration Organizing Committee, the event has evolved into a week-long musical extravaganza at the New Africa Shrine, attracting thousands from all over the world.

Eyes of a Lagos Boy Photo of the Week showcases a captivating image of a Fela Kuti impersonator defying gravity. This levitation underscores Fela’s legendary status. It was taken at Freedom Park at the Felabration Fashion competition, dedicated to Fela as a fashion icon.

As a celebrated Nigerian musician, human rights activist, and cultural provocateur, Fela’s influence has grown exponentially since his death in 1997, yielding a rich legacy that combines pioneering music – afrobeat, passionate social justice advocacy and an enduring emblem of resistance to oppressive authority.

Fela’s innovative Afrobeat genre integrates traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. His impactful music continues to inspire artists across continents, with numerous timeless classics that include, ‘Water No Get Enemy’, ‘Zombie’, ‘Look and Laugh’, ‘Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense’, ‘ITT’ maintaining their relevance, highlighting issues of corruption, inequality, and social justice.

Fela’s impact extended far beyond music and politics, cementing his status as a cultural icon who embodied the struggles of African people against colonialism and neo-colonialism. His lifestyle choices, including polygamy and rejection of Western norms, contributed to his larger-than-life persona.

Twenty four years after his death. Fela’s messages remain relevant in a world still faced with political turmoil. His music continues to inspire new generations of activists and artists who seek to address contemporary issues with the same fervor he exemplified.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti is an African symbol of altruism and total dedication to ideals stood for. His life is celebrated through various forms of media, annual Felabration festival, his children and grandchildren, Broadway musical ‘Fela!’, dozens of documentaries and impersonators around the world.

Fela’s legend endures as a powerful reminder of the intersection between art and activism, inspiring ongoing movements for change and justice.