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By Damiete Braide
The city of Lagos pulsed with rhythm and pride as Fela Kuti’s ‘Afrobeat Rebellion’ opened at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, marking the triumphant return of the acclaimed international exhibition to the land where Afrobeat was born.
Presented by A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Kuti family, and the Philharmonie de Paris, the Lagos edition celebrates the genius of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, musician, activist and icon of African consciousness. Running from October 12 to December 28, 2025, the exhibition promises a 12-week immersion into the life, art and message of the man who used music as a weapon of truth.
The opening night was a grand affair that drew a crowd of artists, diplomats, cultural leaders and Fela’s family members, all gathered under one roof to honour the legacy of the Abami Eda. Hosted by the vibrant Folu Storms, the event featured performances by Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, setting the tone for a night steeped in rhythm and rebellion.
Goodwill remarks from Laurent Favier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, and a representative of the Lagos State Governor, highlighted the significance of Fela’s cultural legacy and the exhibition’s role in strengthening Franco-Nigerian collaboration. The symbolic ribbon-cutting was led by members of the Kuti family, Ecobank representatives, and officials from the Lagos State Government, officially declaring the exhibition open.
Inside the venue, guests were transported into Fela’s world through a multi-sensory journey that explored his music, activism, and philosophy. The exhibition features rare recordings, archival photographs, and immersive reconstructions of both Kalakuta Republic and the legendary Afrika Shrine, spaces that defined Fela’s creative and political universe.
Segun Alli, exhibition curator and founder of JCAA disclosed, “Too often, Fela is reduced to a handful of catchphrases and uninformed stories, Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, the Kalakuta fire, marrying 27 women, or even the myth that he performed on stage in his underwear. Curating Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos is a deliberate refusal of this flattening. It aims to reposition Fela not merely as a musician or rebel, but as a public intellectual whose art and philosophy are inseparable from Africa’s social and political histories. His work was never just style or spectacle, it was a catalyst of revolt and hope, the soundtrack of resistance against oppression and corruption. Nearly three decades after his passing, his vision continues to resonate across generations.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Laurent Favier emphasized the cultural significance of the collaboration: “Supporting Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge. It is a natural follow-up to the successful exhibition in Paris and stands as both a celebration of Franco-Nigerian partnership and a tribute to Fela’s enduring influence. Fela was greatly appreciated in France, and through this project, we deepen the dialogue between our two nations while honoring one of Africa’s most influential voices.”
