LAGOS — Co-manager of the New Afrika Shrine, Yeni Kuti, has declared that the annual Felabration festival continues to serve as a vital vehicle for promoting authentic Nigerian culture while drawing influxes of diaspora tourists to Lagos.
Speaking during an executive media briefing on Saturday, September 26, 2026, ahead of the 2026 edition themed “Who Are You???”, Ms. Kuti highlighted that the week-long celebration honoring the life, music, and social philosophy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has evolved into a global destination for cultural exchange.
She emphasized that the festival consistently attracts international visitors—particularly people of African descent from across the global diaspora—seeking an authentic connection to African heritage, music, and intellectual activism.
“It’s a very positive thing because if you come to the Shrine, you see people from all over the world,” Ms. Kuti noted. “I’m glad that we are doing it and we are promoting our culture.”
Official Schedule for Felabration 2026
Ms. Kuti formally unveiled the timetable leading up to the main musical festival, which is slated to run from October 12 to October 18, 2026, at the iconic New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja:
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October 1 (Visual Arts): The festival officially opens with an Art Competition hosted at the Kalakuta Museum in Ikeja.
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October 3 (Afrobics Dance): High-energy dance competition taking center stage at the New Afrika Shrine.
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October 7 (Intellectual Engagement): Secondary School Debates, reinforcing Fela’s commitment to social consciousness and youth education.
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October 10 (Fashion Showcase): The highly anticipated “Dress Fela” Fashion Show at Freedom Park, exploring Afrocentric style themes like Fela Today, Fela Yesterday, and Fela as a Woman.
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October 12 – 18 (Main Musical Festival): Seven straight days of non-stop Afrobeat performances, international band showcases, and cultural activities at the New Afrika Shrine.
Conceived by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in 1998, Felabration has grown from a local commemorative event into one of Africa’s premier socio-cultural gatherings, contributing significantly to Lagos State’s creative economy and international tourism profile.
