A three-month exhibition celebrating the life, music, and enduring legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has officially opened in Lagos, southwestern Nigeria.
Titled “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion,” the exhibition first premiered in Paris and has been reimagined for its homecoming, 27 years after Fela’s death, with a “bigger and better” experience for Nigerian audiences.
The opening ceremony drew members of the Kuti family, French officials, cultural experts, and fans of all ages, eager to explore Fela’s incredible life story. Visitors can view rare archival items, never-before-seen photographs, Fela’s stage costumes, and immersive installations recreating iconic spaces such as the Kalakuta Republic and the Afrika Shrine.
Papa Omotayo, founder of Whitespace Creative Agency and a key part of the exhibition team, explained that the show is divided into ten sections, including Early Life, Lagos Baby, Daily Life, Kalakuta Republic, Queens, and Shrine, with mirrored rooms showing visuals from both the old and new Shrine. He said the exhibition is designed to provoke thought and inspire a new generation through concerts, talks, and programs for children.
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Omotayo highlighted the “Queens” section, which draws a connection between Fela’s wives and contemporary Nigerian women in “rebel spaces,” illustrating how his legacy continues to influence modern society.
Members of the Kuti family, including Seun and Yeni Kuti, expressed their joy at the show’s arrival in Lagos, describing it as a fitting tribute. “The exhibition is to provoke thoughts, not just comfort nostalgia. Our father’s legacy has travelled the world, but Lagos was always its heartbeat,” they said.
Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France in Nigeria, called the exhibition an act of cultural diplomacy and praised the collaboration with the Kuti family, Ecobank, and the Paris Philharmonie. He described the Lagos exhibition as a “natural return” after its successful premiere in Paris.
The opening night featured a powerful live performance by Fela’s youngest son, Seun Kuti, alongside the acclaimed UK jazz group Ezra Collective, highlighting how Afrobeat continues to evolve and influence global music.
The exhibition will run until December 28, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos, with a lineup of events including weekly film screenings, artist talks, live performances from Femi Kuti and Made Kuti, and creative activities for children. Attendance is free from Fridays to Sundays to encourage wider public engagement.
