“Fela Kuti: Afrobeats Rebellion” comes to Lagos for the first time.
Originally designed and presented by the Philharmonie de Paris, the “Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” is an immersive exhibition coming to Africa for the very first time. This October, A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, with the immense support of the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Kuti family, will reimagine and present the landmark exhibition at the EcoBank Pan African Centre in Lagos. The multi-week experience will invite Nigerians and international guests to explore Fela Kuti’s life, music, and enduring legacy.
Afrobeat Rebellion
Originally curated and staged at the Philharmonie de Paris (Cité de la Musique) from October 2022 to June 2023. Afrobeat Rebellion drew global audiences into the life and experiences of the Nigerian pioneer, taking visitors down the memory lane of his various achievements in the 20th century. The exhibition comprised archived pieces worn by the legend. It shared unpublished photographs, stage costumes, and rare recordings. Each aspect of the Paris exhibition traced Fela’s journey as a revolutionary musician and political activist. His influence continues to inspire many artists and musicians alike across continents.
“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, honouring Fela’s legacy — who was very appreciated in France — while deepening the dialogue between our two nations.” – Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos
What to expect from Afrobeat Rebellion
Housed at the iconic Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Afrobeat Rebellion is more than an exhibition. It’s a vibrant, living tribute to the life, music, and revolutionary spirit of Fela Kuti. Running from October 12 to December 28, the Lagos edition will feature rare archives, never-before-seen photographs, original stage costumes, immersive media, and live programming. It’s designed to capture the essence of a man whose art shook governments and awakened generations. The exhibition will feature multi-media touchpoints allowing for an authentic experience for all attendees through the following key programmes;
Live music experience curated by Lanre Masha
Music remains front and centre of Fela’s existence and the tool through which he told his stories and advocated for Africans. Therefore, for the duration of the exhibition, there will be select performances and private studio sessions from opening night with Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti. There will be performances by Femi and Made Kuti, and collaborations with contemporary artists and industry players..
The talks
Sparking relevant conversations around Fela’s legacy and achievements, The Talks will feature leading voices including Yeni Kuti, Prof. Oyeronke Oyewumi, Falana, Ade Bantu, Minna Salami, and Kadaria Ahmed. The series will explore broader discussions around Fela’s ethos, as well as his political and cultural stance in the 20th century. Scholars, cultural commentators, curators, and artists will offer diverse perspectives that highlight the continued relevance of his work today. It will comprise a series of panels over the course of the exhibition.
Kalakuta cinema curated by S16 Collective
Named after Fela’s self-declared Kalakuta Republic, Kalakuta Cinema is a film screening series inspired by Fela’s ethos and philosophies of resistance, political consciousness, African identity, and rebellion through art. The cinema will screen seven films featuring classics like “Music Is a Weapon”, “The Lost Okoroshi”, “Mami Wata”, “Timbuktu”, and “Finding Fela” that embody these philosophies, providing a platform for engagement and discourse surrounding critical socio-political issues.
Young Rebels Corner
Young Rebels Corner is an interactive, creative space for children aged 6–15, designed to run alongside the exhibition.This space invites everyone to explore Fela’s legacy through music, art, and storytelling. Activities like the Rebel Scrapbook, Jam Station, and Anikulapo Design Workshop offer hands-on creativity. It aims to inspire a new generation of rebels who see creativity as power.
Interactive activities
The exhibition’s programming will feature a range of interactive activities designed to engage artists of different genres, and curators in Fela’s world and legacy to learn, teach and inspire attendees and participants. Some of these experiences will include;
Book reading with Karatu – book titles include: “Kalakuta Republic (Chimurenga)” + select speeches, “Dis Fela Sef!” By Benson Idonije, “Funmilayo Ransome Kuti”, and” Arrest the Music” by Tejumola Olaniyan
Manifesto – Weapon of the future
“Òrò Abamì” Spoken Word Competition
Dance From Freedom (movement workshops led by The Mud Art Company)
“Our father’s legacy has travelled the world, but Lagos was always its heartbeat. Afrobeat Rebellion brings things unseen, his music and everything Fela stood for to his people in Lagos. Not just to remember Fela, but to inspire a new generation to use art as resistance and freedom.” – The Kuti family.
The exhibition will open Friday to Sunday (10:00–18:00)
General admission is free: RSVP pass is required for limited-capacity programmes.
Opening Night: Sun, October 12: First viewing + performances featuring Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti
Access & Booking: Exhibition entry is free (Fri–Sun). RSVP required for talks, workshops, and cinema (capacity-limited). For more information, visit afrobeatrebellion.com
