Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion – A Homecoming to Lagos
- Art Report Africa
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
On October 12, 2025, the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos opens its doors to Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion, marking the return of an exhibition that celebrates one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures. Originally curated by the Philharmonie de Paris in 2022, the exhibition is now reimagined for its Nigerian debut by the A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Kuti family.
Running until December 28, 2025, Afrobeat Rebellion offers a powerful exploration of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, music, and activism. The exhibition presents a wealth of archival materials—ranging from photographs and personal belongings to original audio recordings—that trace Fela’s journey from musician to political icon. Visitors move through immersive installations that recreate the energy and atmosphere of key spaces such as the Kalakuta Republic and the Afrika Shrine, allowing them to experience firsthand the environments that shape Fela’s music and message.
More than a historical retrospective, the exhibition brings Fela’s revolutionary spirit into dialogue with the present. It highlights how his art continues to inspire contemporary movements in music, performance, and activism, resonating with global audiences who see in Fela’s legacy a model of creative resistance. Through the exhibition’s combination of sound, film, photography, and design, visitors engage with art’s power to challenge authority and spark social change.
Complementing the main display is a robust cultural programme that includes live performances, film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops. These events deepen public engagement and celebrate the enduring vibrancy of Afrobeat as both a musical genre and a political force.
Bringing Afrobeat Rebellion home to Lagos holds profound symbolic importance. It situates Fela’s story within the city that births and sustains his artistic vision, reaffirming Lagos as a centre of cultural innovation and political expression. In doing so, it honours not only the man but also the larger history of creativity and resistance that continues to shape Nigeria’s identity.
Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion is open Fridays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with special VIP and institutional viewings on Thursdays. Admission is free, though advance registration is required for select programmes.
For more information and to reserve your place, visit Luma’s Afrobeat Rebellion page..
Comments