The annual one-week festival of music and art in honor of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, came to an end on Sunday 17th October, 2021, with its usual glitz, glamour, pageantry and fireworks, as thousands of fans of the legendary afrobeat thronged to the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, to celebrate the life and times of the international artist.
The theme of this year’s Felabration tagged “Viva Nigeria, Via Africa”, was memorable as the likes of Senator Sani Shehu and other prominent Nigerians were present at the symposium.
What made this year’s Felabration unique was the opportunity given to fans who were unable to come to the New Afrika Shrine to watch the live broadcast of the week long event on two dedicated channels on Dstv and Gotv.
This was the first time since inception of the Felabration Festival that would afford those who could not physically make it to the New Afrika Shrine the opportunity to feel the vibes in the comfort of their homes through a pay TV Channel.
The 2021 Felabration ended on a high note with the headline sponsors of this year’s event, Rite Foods, presenting a Fearless posthumous award to the Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti by Fearless energy drink.
The late Afrobeat legend used his musical distinctiveness and political activism targeted at creating a better society, present and future for the citizens, was recognized by the headline sponsors with a
beautifully designed award that looks magnificent and depicts what the music icon stands for.
Fela wrote songs like “Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am,” “Zombie,” “Sorrow, Tears and Blood,” and “Unknown Soldier” as a form of resistance against oppressive leadership. He composed other songs on inhuman acts against Africans like “Colonial Mentality,” “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense,” ”Mr. Follow Follow”, among others.
Saleem Adegunwa, the Managing Director of Rite Foods commenting on the award posited that the Late Fela deserved honour for the impact he made in the music industry, having fought for justice and equality for all Nigerians through his songs.
He pointed out that Fela resonates with what Fearless stands for, positive energy, courage, leadership, and can-do spirit that comes with Fela’s creativity and leadership quality.
Adegunwa affirmed that Fela demonstrated fearless attributes through his songs, which led to constructive criticism of injustice, inequality, and oppressive tendencies against Nigerian citizens and Africans.
The founder of Felabration Foundation, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, was applauded for such a courageous innovation and legacy by Rite Foods Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, who said it signifies respect for the megastar who traversed the globe, with outstanding performance that made the nation proud. An enigma of exceptional talent, an African pride, just like Rite Foods with its leading position in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry.
She said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to the growth of the entertainment industry and promoting what is Nigerian.
Adedugbe stated that the event was also a platform for consumers to get rejuvenated with the company’s brands comprising the premium Fearless energy drink, the 12 Bigi variants of carbonated soft drinks, Table Water, and Rite Sausages.
Yemi on her part while appreciating the headline sponsors said that she was filled with the euphoria created by the audience, expressed her gratification for the support and honour bestowed on her father for the legacy left behind for posterity.
She eulogized the World-class company for refreshing participants at Felabration with its unique brands and the creativity introduced to make it more exciting.
Yeni, who was highly excited, praised the Fearless energy drink brand, stating that the award was the best thing that has ever happened since the inception of the Felabration, and from a leading brand in the energy drink market.
Highlights of the event was the performance by D’Banj, a megastar in Nigeria’s musical industry, who thrilled the audience with one of his hit songs, “Top of the World.”
Other interesting activities include an Arts competition, Afrobics dance competition, schools’ debate with the topic “Covid 19 is a Blessing,” a Symposium themed “A Presenting National Question Devolution or Evolution” with the moderator/chairman, as Femi Falana, amongst prominent speakers like Senator Shehu Sani.
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