The organisers of Felabration have announced the date for the 2024 music festival, an annual event celebrating the life and legacy of Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend.
The one-week festival, known for honoring Kuti’s impact on music, politics, and African culture, is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 20 at the New Afrika Shrine, Lagos.
Yeni Kuti, the head of the organising committee, described the theme for the 2024 Felabration as having “renewed significance to ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and inspire action”.
“With ‘Look and Laugh,’ we honour Fela’s legacy by embracing his message of resilience and expression. In a country grappling with record levels of inflation, currency devaluation, and rising food and fuel prices, this year’s theme takes on renewed significance,” she said.
“Felabration 2024 aims to ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and inspire action, carrying forward Fela’s legacy of social consciousness and innovation through entertainment.”
This year’s ceremony is tagged ‘Look and Laugh’, after a song originally released by Kuti in 1980 as part of his album ‘Coffin for Head of State’.
The seven-day festival will feature activities including ‘The Fela Debates’, Afrobics Dance Competition, Secondary School Debate, Art, and the Dress Fela Fashion Competition.
According to the organisers, the theme resonates with the “various faces of modern-day corruption”.
“The song’s lyrics subtly condemn self-serving actions and satirically calls on listeners to open their eyes to the truth and act against oppression,” the statement added.
The unveiling of the logo and theme marks the beginning of the journey towards October’s festival, promising an enriching experience for attendees.
