There was a lively atmosphere at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, as fans from all walks of life converged to celebrate afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, and his son, Omorinmade.
Some of the guests present came from as far as Ireland and France.
The event started with a performance by a singer called Olusegun and his band.
This was followed by Made, who took to the stage for his first set. After his opening performance, the singer rendered a song in honour of the late student of Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, Deborah Samuel, who was lynched for alleged blasphemy.
Made went on to thrill his teeming fans with the lead single, ‘Free your Mind’, off his album, ‘Foreword’. In a romantic twist, the singer was joined on stage by his girlfriend, Inedoye Onyenso, who danced energetically. The actress and scriptwriter indeed provide moral support for her man as they danced together.
Femi gets golden saxophone
Femi was pleasantly surprised when his family members presented an expensive Selmer saxophone to him on stage.
Presenting the gift to her brother on behalf of the family, his sister, Yeni, stated that the saxophone was bought from donations from family members. She added that the manufacturer of the saxophone, Selmer, sold the saxophone to the family for half the price.
On receiving the gift, a surprised Femi said, “Selmer paid some of the money for my sax? Selmer? Every time I go and meet Selmer, they will be looking at me, like what have you played? The best saxophone company put (contributed) money for my sax!
“Honestly, I am not too shocked but as Selmer put money in, I am amazingly shocked. I am feeling foolishly foolish.”
Felabration 2022 calls for entries
Meanwhile, Felabration, an annual festival of music and arts celebrating the life and times of afrobeat icon, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has called for entries from artists and dancers to participate in the festival.
According to a statement by the organisers of the event, the submission portals for both competitions will open on June 15, 2022, and close on July 31, 2022. The competitions are open to contestants from all over the world.
The theme for this year’s competition is the same as the Felabration theme song, ‘Fear Not for Man’.
Returning judges for the festival include esteemed personalities in the art world such as Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Otunba Mufu Onifade, and Sarah Boulos.
The different stages of the ‘Felabration Afrobics dance competition’ will also take place at the New Afrika Shrine. Returning and new judges for the dance competition include Funke Kuti, Segun Adefila, Don Flexx, Jeffrey Daniels and Kaffy. Contestants will perform their choice of songs from the vast catalogue of the late Fela.
Other events lined-up for Felabration 2022 include the tenth edition of the secondary schools debate; a symposium known as the ‘Fela Debates’, which is in its 14th year; a Fela-themed fashion show; as well as seven days of music concerts featuring Nigerian and international artistes; and the ‘Felabration Ladies Webinar’.
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