Lagos came alive last night as Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion opened at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, a historic moment marking the acclaimed exhibition’s long-awaited return to Africa.
Presented by A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Kuti family, and the Philharmonie de Paris, the Lagos edition honors the life, music, and activism of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the city that birthed Afrobeat
The opening night drew artists, diplomats, cultural leaders, and Fela’s family — all gathered under one roof to celebrate the Abami Eda’s enduring spirit. Hosted by Folu Storms, the evening featured performances by
Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, alongside goodwill remarks from Laurent Favier, French Ambassador to Nigeria, and a representative of the Lagos State Governor. The symbolic ribbon-cutting officially declared the exhibition open, led by members of the Kuti family, Ecobank representatives, and the Lagos State Government.
Inside the halls, guests explored a powerful, multi-sensory journey through Fela’s world; from rare recordings and archival photography to immersive reconstructions of Kalakuta and the Afrika Shrine.
“Too often, Fela is reduced to a handful of catchphrases and uninformed stories – Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, the Kalakuta fire, marrying 27 women, or even the unfounded claim that he performed on stage in his underwear. Curating Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos is a deliberate refusal of this flattening. It aims to reposition Fela not merely as a musician or rebel, but as a public intellectual whose music and philosophy are deeply intertwined with Africa’s social, political, and intellectual histories. His work was never just style or spectacle; it was a catalyst of revolt and hope, the soundtrack for those living under oppression, corruption, and the daily failures of power. Nearly three decades after his passing, it remains a profound mystery how Abami Eda’s philosophy continues to resonate so powerfully across all facets of our shared human experience.” – Seun Alli, exhibition curator and founder of JCAA
Representing the French Embassy, Laurent Favier added,
“Supporting the Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge. It is a logical and welcome follow-up to the successful exhibition in Paris. This project is both a celebration of Franco-Nigerian collaboration and a cultural gift, honoring Fela’s legacy – who was very appreciated in France – while deepening the dialogue between our two nations.”
The night ended in true Fela fashion, with rhythm, movement, and communion, as the crowd danced and toasted to the resilience of Afrobeat.
Running from October 12 to December 28, 2025, the exhibition spans 12 weeks of programming — including The Talks, Kalakuta Cinema, Young Rebels’ Corner, and live performances by Femi and Made Kuti, among others.
The exhibition is open Fridays to Sundays (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), with Thursdays reserved for VIP and institutional visits. General admission is free, while RSVPs are required for talks, workshops, book readings, and cinema screenings due to limited capacity. Ticketing is available via Luma.
Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos
Dates: October 12 – December 28, 2025
