Lagos came alive on Sunday, October 12, as Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion openesd at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, a historic moment marking the acclaimed exhibition’s long-awaited return to Africa.

Originally developed by the Philharmonie de Paris, the Lagos edition is reimagined by A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation with immense support from the French Embassy in Nigeria, and the Kuti Family.

First staged at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2022, the exhibition was hailed as ‘a revolutionary tribute’, ‘an echo of Fela’s unrelenting voice against oppression’ (Radio France), and ‘a reminder that his Afrobeat remains as urgent as ever’.

The Lagos edition honours the life, music, and activism of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the city that birthed Afrobeat. Designed as an immersive journey through Fela’s life, music, and radical ideas, the exhibition layers archival objects, photography, soundscapes, and media installations that reconstruct spaces from Kalakuta to the Afrika Shrine—alongside an interactive global map of influence and furthers its programming to include a weekly ‘Legacy Programmes’ calendar (talks, live music, studio sessions, cinema, children activities).

This edition also adds to the rich history of Fela’s exhibitions in Lagos, standing out for its unprecedented scale and ambition: It is the first to combine the curatorial depth of an internationally acclaimed European retrospective with the authenticity of a Lagos reimagining.

The opening night drew artistes, diplomats, cultural leaders, and Fela’s family — all gathered under one roof to celebrate the Abami Eda’s enduring spirit.

Hosted by Folu Storms, the evening featured performances by Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, alongside goodwill remarks from Laurent Favier, French Ambassador to Nigeria, and a representative of the Lagos State governor.

The symbolic ribbon-cutting officially declared the exhibition open, led by members of the Kuti family, Ecobank representatives, and the Lagos State Government.

Inside the halls, guests explored a powerful, multi-sensory journey through Fela’s world; from rare recordings and archival photography to immersive reconstructions of Kalakuta and the Afrika Shrine.

“Too often, Fela is reduced to a handful of catchphrases and uninformed stories – Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, the Kalakuta fire, marrying 27 women, or even the unfounded claim that he performed on stage in his underwear.

“Curating Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos is a deliberate refusal of this flattening. It aims to reposition Fela not merely as a musician or rebel, but as a public intellectual whose music and philosophy are deeply intertwined with Africa’s social, political, and intellectual histories. His work was never just style or spectacle; it was a catalyst of revolt and hope, the soundtrack for those living under oppression, corruption, and the daily failures of power. Nearly three decades after his passing, it remains a profound mystery how Abami Eda’s philosophy continues to resonate so powerfully across all facets of our shared human experience,” said Seun Alli, exhibition curator and founder of JCAA.

Representing the French Embassy, Laurent Favier, added, “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, honoring Fela’s legacy – who was very appreciated in France – while deepening the dialogue between our two nations.”

The night ended in true Fela fashion, with rhythm, movement, and communion, as the crowd danced and toasted to the resilience of Afrobeat. Running from October 12 to December 28, 2025, the exhibition spans 12 weeks of programming — including The Talks, Kalakuta Cinema, Young Rebels’ Corner, and live performances by Femi and Made Kuti, among others.

The exhibition is open Fridays to Sundays (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), with Thursdays reserved for VIP and institutional visits. General admission is free, while RSVPs are required for talks, workshops, book readings, and cinema screenings due to limited capacity.