Lagos is set to host Felabration 2026 from October 12 to 18, with a week-long programme of musical performances, fashion, art and cultural activities celebrating the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The festival, scheduled to take place at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, will run under the theme “Who Are You”, encouraging young people to explore Fela’s musical influence, political convictions and contributions to Nigerian cultural identity.
Activities will begin with the Dress Fela fashion show on Saturday, highlighting the continuing influence of the musician’s distinctive style on contemporary fashion and creative expression.
According to the festival’s official Facebook page, this year’s headline performers include Femi Kuti and The Positive Force, Made Kuti, and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80.
Other artistes scheduled to perform include Apala musician Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Terry Apala, Atawewe and Ice Prince.
The lineup also features Slimcase, Kleva Jay, Ceeza Milli, T.Classic, Sunkey Snoop, Soundboi and Labule, with additional performers expected to be announced.
Yeni Kuti, co-manager of the New Afrika Shrine, said Felabration remained an important platform for promoting Nigerian culture and preserving Fela’s legacy.
“It’s a very positive thing because if you come to the Shrine, you see people from all over the world. I’m glad that we are doing it and we are promoting our culture,” she said.
The annual festival was established in 1998 to celebrate Fela’s life, music and enduring influence on African music and culture.
Beyond his musical achievements, Fela’s legacy is reflected in his distinctive fashion, characterised by bold prints, loose-fitting trousers, beads and a stage presence closely associated with his political convictions.
His style continues to inspire designers and fans, who reinterpret its elements as expressions of African identity, self-expression and cultural confidence.
Over the years, Felabration has grown into a week-long cultural event attracting music enthusiasts and visitors from Nigeria and abroad. Its activities extend beyond concerts to include fashion, art, dance and school debates, providing platforms for cultural expression and engagement with Fela’s ideas.
