Yeni Kuti Highlights Felabration's Role in Cultural Promotion, Diaspora Tourism

Yeni Kuti, the co-manager of the renowned New Afrika Shrine, has stated that the annual Felabration festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing Nigerian culture while honouring the enduring life and contributions of the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Kuti conveyed this message during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, as preparations are underway for the 2026 edition of the popular event.

According to Kuti, the week-long festivities are scheduled to take place from October 12 to October 18. The celebration will kick off with an art competition on October 1 at the Kalakuta Museum. Following this, a dance competition is slated for October 3 at the New Afrika Shrine, with school debates set to engage participants on October 7. Additionally, the ‘Dress Fela’ fashion show is planned for October 10, preceding the main festival.

Kuti further noted that the festival has consistently drawn visitors, particularly individuals of African heritage from the diaspora, to the New Afrika Shrine. She described this as a positive development, highlighting that the presence of international guests offers an excellent opportunity to present Nigeria’s rich cultural identity to a global audience.

“It’s a very positive thing because if you come to the Shrine, you see people from all over the world,” Kuti remarked. She added, “I’m glad that we are doing it and we are promoting our culture.”

NAN reports that Felabration, an initiative conceived by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in 1998, has since evolved into a significant annual festival. It features a diverse range of activities, including music performances, intellectual debates, captivating dance showcases, art exhibitions, and fashion displays, all dedicated to celebrating Fela’s impactful life and legacy.