Titled “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion,” the show, which first premiered in Paris, has been reimagined to be “bigger and better” in a befitting homecoming, 27 years after the legendary Afrobeat pioneer’s death.
The opening ceremony drew a vibrant crowd of society figures and Afrobeat royalty, including members of the Kuti family, French officials, cultural experts, and fans of all ages, all eager to experience Fela’s incredible life story.
The exhibition offers a rich, immersive experience, showcasing rare archival items, never-before-seen photos, Fela’s actual stage clothes, and vibrant installations that recreate iconic spaces like the Kalakuta Republic and the Afrika Shrine.
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Papa Omotayo, founder of a Whitespace Creative Agency and a leading part of the exhibition team, guided attendees through the halls and outlined the show’s ambitious scope.
”The goal was to stretch the exhibition into three months of cultural activation. We have concerts, talks, and programs for children. We’re also training scenographers and teaching audiovisual design specific to exhibitions. The halls are mapped into ten sections, including Early Life, Lagos Baby, Daily Life, Kalakuta Republic, Queens, and Shrine, with mirrored rooms showing visuals from both the old and new Shrine.” He explained.
Omotayo noted a special feature in the ‘Queens’ section: a connecting thread between Fela’s wives and contemporary Nigerian women in “rebel spaces.”
”We didn’t want people to just look backwards. They should feel how it breathes today.” Omotayo said.
Members of the Kuti family, including Seun and Yeni Kuti, expressed their immense happiness for the show’s arrival in Lagos, describing this version of the tribute as befitting.
According to them, Fela’s message was not just about resistance but emancipation.
“freedom from colonial mentalities, bad governance, and silence. The exhibition is to provoke thoughts, not just comfort nostalgia. Our father’s legacy has travelled the world, but Lagos was always its heartbeat. This show is not just about remembering Fela but about inspiring a new generation to use art as a form of resistance.” They expressed.
Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France in Nigeria, described the exhibition as an act of both cultural diplomacy and reclaiming Fela’s narrative.
He highlighted the long-standing collaboration with the Kuti family, Ecobank, and the Paris Philharmonie, calling the show a “message of hope” for Africa and the world.
”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 while deepening the dialogue between our two nations.” He reiterated.
He pointed out that France helped launch the show abroad, but bringing it to Lagos is a “natural return.”
The highlight of the opening night was a powerful live performance by Fela’s youngest son, Afrobeat star Seun Kuti, and his band and were joined by the acclaimed UK jazz group, Ezra Collective.
Their collaboration underscored how Afrobeat has spread worldwide and continues to evolve, proving that Fela’s revolutionary spirit remains strong and influential in contemporary music.
The exhibition will run until December 28, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos.
A host of accompanying events are scheduled, including weekly film screenings, talks with experts and artists, live music from Femi Kuti and Made Kuti, and creative activities for children.
In a boost for accessibility, the exhibition is free to attend from Fridays to Sundays.