35 Musicians for Felabration
For the first time since the demise of Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his two sons who have kept the flag of that peculiar brand of music flying will mount the same stage to perform.
And the event that is bringing these two erstwhile enemies together is the 10th anniversary of Felabration, an annual concert in celebration of the life and music of the late afro beat legend.
And the venue of this epoch making show which Fela and by extension, afro beat music aficionados have described as the real McCoy for this year’s Felabration is the New African Shrine built by Femi and his elder sister, Yeni in 2000 to replace the old one where Fela performed and worshipped until August 2, 1997.
According to a released pushed out by the organising committee made up of Femi Odebunmi, Sandra Oyewole, Femi Esho, Boye Maculay and a representative of Storm Vision, Femi whose soaring popularity in the world music arena earned him Grammy nomination, World Music Award among others will kick off the musical performance aspect of the Felabration with Seun who has led Egypt 80 (Fela’s band) to many international concert appearances on Tuessday, October 9.
That same day has been dedicated to a number of up and coming musicians to showcase their talent for artiste and repertoire managers in search of fresh faces for the industry.
It will be recalled that before now, both Femi and Seun due to their disagreement have celebrated Fela’s posthumous birthday, which Felabration symbolizes separately and at different venues.
The release further disclosed that Wednesday October 10 would witness the exhibition of Fela’s unique clothes, his numerous album sleeves. While all these will take place during, the night will be strictly musical performance by some of the artistes that have confirmed their invitation to perform. Tagged ‘Ladies Nite’ it will be a free gate for ladies.
Call Thursday October 11 a night of all genres of music and you won’t be wrong, as the night will feature performances from artistes of all background. Tagged Mixes and Marches, the night wills music ranging from hip-hop, fuji, juju to highlife while Friday October 12 has been branded Cross over Nite. The continues on Saturday and Sunday while there will be no music but winning and dinning for Fela and Afrobeat music fans courtesy of Femi and his siblings Monday October 15, the day Fela would have been a year older.
Also as part of this year’s Felabration, The French Cultural Centre will be exhibiting some of Fela’s clothes, sleeves of his musical works, photographs. The exhibition opens on Wednesday, October 10 to 14. it wil be recalled that while alive, Fela enjoyed a cult like followership in France and till date his music is still enjoy good air play on French radio stations.
Among the artises that have confirmed their participation are Sound Sultan, Paul Play Dairo, Asha, Olu Maintain, Ruggedman Obiwon Jazzman Olofin among others.
[Via This Day]
