Lagos, Nigeria – Lagos is preparing for a major cultural celebration as “Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” makes its African debut. The powerful exhibition, which first opened at the Philharmonie de Paris between October 2022 and June 2023, will now be staged at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos from October 12, 2025.
Afrobeat Rebellion Returns Home to Africa
Presented by A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA), the exhibition promises to immerse visitors in the world of Fela Kuti — the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, activist, and cultural icon. Supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, Ecobank, and the Kuti family, the Lagos edition celebrates Fela’s life, music, and political legacy that continues to shape global music and activism nearly three decades after his death.
Celebrating Fela’s Influence and Franco-Nigerian Collaboration
The Paris edition of Afrobeat Rebellion captivated global audiences with rare collections, including Fela’s original stage costumes, unpublished photos, and archival recordings. The Lagos showcase expands on that legacy with new creative experiences designed to connect older fans and new generations alike.
“Supporting this reflects our belief that culture is a bridge. This project is a celebration of Franco-Nigerian collaboration and a cultural gift, honouring Fela’s legacy while deepening dialogue between our two nations,” said Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos.
Five Exciting Core Programmes Unveiled
The Afrobeat Rebellion Lagos edition will feature five major cultural programmes:
- Live Music Experience curated by Lanre Masha, featuring Ezra Collective, Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti, and Made Kuti, alongside other contemporary artists.
- Talks Series spotlighting voices like Yeni Kuti, Falana, and Kadaria Ahmed, exploring Fela’s political and cultural impact.
- Kalakuta Cinema, curated by S16 Collective, showcasing films inspired by Fela’s philosophy.
- Young Rebels Corner, an interactive creative zone for children to explore Afrobeat culture.
- Additional activities such as spoken word performances, book readings, and dance workshops to celebrate Fela’s artistic spirit.
A Living Season of Culture-Afrobeat Rebellion
Speaking about the vision behind the event, Onoshiokhue Ako, Project Lead at AWCA, said, “For us, this is more than an exhibition. It is a living season of culture. We designed it to bridge generations, from the children in Young Rebels’ Corner to the elders who knew Fela firsthand.”
A Historic Homecoming for Afrobeat
The Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion exhibition marks a powerful return to the city that birthed Afrobeat. As Lagos prepares to host this world-class cultural experience, fans of music, art, and history are eager to reconnect with Fela’s revolutionary voice — right where it all began.
