Nigeria: Felabration announces 2020 acts

Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Bez have all been confirmed for the three-day festival from 15 to 17 October. The rest are Joeboy, Wurld, Falana and Brooklyn-based Afrobeat band Antibalas.

Felabration was first held in 1998 to celebrate the music and cultural impact of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Since then, it has been held annually with the exception of 1999. Felabration 2020 will run under the theme, Fight to Finish, Fight to Win. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will be held virtually on the festival’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. It will also be streamed live on HipTV.

In September, the Felabration organisers announced the art and dance competitions that make part of the festival's programme every year. The winning entires for the dance competition will be featured on the Felabration website, social media and other platforms chosen by the organisers, whereas the winning pieces for the art contest will be exhibited at the New Afrika Shrine, Kalakuta Republic Museum and other venues.

Felabration 2020 will also feature a school debate and a symposium that will dissect the topic ‘colomentality’ in line with the festival’s theme. African affairs analyst Dr Vincent Magombe has been named as the moderator for the symposium, which will be held on 15 October. Speakers include lawyer, author and activist Dele Farotimi, filmmaker Kweku Mandela and medical doctor, activist and diplomat Arikana Chihombori Quao.

Past editions of Felabration have hosted big names such as Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Seun Kuti (Nigeria), Femi Kuti (Nigeria), Awilo Logomba (DRC), King Sunny Ade (Nigeria), Asa (Nigeria), 2Baba (Nigeria) and Sauti Sol (Kenya).