Felabration confirms 2019 programme

Felabration can be tagged as 'Nigeria's all-weeklong, non-stop party' that celebrates the life and legacy of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

Yeni Kuti, organiser of Felabration and the eldest daughter of Fela Kuti, posted a Facebook video from the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos this week, inviting fans to this year’s festival in her very own style and mannerisms.

Felabration 2019, which will run under the theme From Lagos With Love, starts at the New Afrika Shrine on 14 October and concludes on 20 October, with Fela Kuti's birthday celebrations taking place on 15 October. A schools debate as well as dance and artwork competitions have also been planned ahead of the festival's official opening on 14 October.

The event promises exciting performances by musicians representing a variety of genres, who will be announced in due course.

Felabration began in 1998 and with the exception of 1999 it has come to be an annual event that has grown exponentially every year, with a surge of concertgoers visiting Lagos for the sole purpose of being a part of the musical jamboree.

Over the years Felabration has attracted well-known musicians from around the world, including Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Femi Kuti (Nigeria), Lucky Dube (South Africa), Awilo Longomba (DRC), Baaba Maal (Senegal), Les Nubians (Chad/France), King Sunny Ade (Nigeria), Lagbaja (Nigeria), Asa (Nigeria), 2Baba (Nigeria), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Seun Kuti (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), Newen Afrobeat (Chile) and many others.

Meanwhile, Felabration 2019 will also take place at Indigo at The O2 in London, UK, on 30 August, with performances from Awilo Longomba, Falz, Harrysong, A.star, Eugy, BM, Sona, Drumz with Atumpan, Mr 2Kay, Hotyce, Shiikane, Tomi Agape, Damibliz, and others.

Felabration 2019 calendar of main events in Lagos:

21 September – Felabration 2019 Afrobics Dance Competition, New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja.
9 October – Felabration 2019 Schools Debate, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
12 October – Felabration 2019 Artwork Competition, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
14 October – Felabration 2019 Symposium, Neca Hall, Ikeja.
14 October – Felabration 2019 Music Concert, New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja.

For more information and updates, visit the Felabration official website.

Watch former Fela Kuti keyboardist Dele Sosimi and YolanDa Brown's Felabration 2016 performance of 'Lady' at the Electric Ballroom in London below: