Members of Team Europe, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, joined the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition in Lagos, alongside several European ambassadors and senior diplomats representing Poland, Finland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Portugal. Supported by the French Embassy, the exhibition continues its inspiring journey from Paris as a bridge of rhythm, art, and memory connecting continents.
Hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos to commemorate the birthday of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the exhibition celebrates the power of music and visual art to inspire change, amplify identity, and build dialogue across generations and borders.
A collaboration between African and European artists, the exhibition brings together photography, sound, and multimedia installations that trace the legacy of Fela’s music—from his political consciousness and creative defiance to the global rise of Afrobeat as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride.
Speaking at the event, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the exhibition as a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy in connecting people and promoting mutual understanding.
Ambassador Mignot noted that culture remains a vital pillar of the EU’s partnership with Africa, serving not only as a vehicle for artistic expression but also as a catalyst for social cohesion and shared progress.
He emphasised that initiatives like the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition embody the spirit of collaboration that drives Team Europe’s engagement with Nigeria—one that values creativity, diversity, and dialogue as tools for fostering peace and sustainable development.
He added that by supporting cultural exchanges between African and European artists, the EU seeks to highlight the universal language of art as a force for inclusion and innovation.
According to him, the exhibition demonstrates how artistic narratives can transcend borders, challenge stereotypes, and create new opportunities for young creatives to tell their stories on global platforms. The EU, he said, will continue to invest in programs that promote cultural industries, heritage preservation, and creative entrepreneurship across Nigeria and West Africa.
Also speaking at the event, representatives from the participating European embassies commended the fusion of African rhythm and European artistry, describing it as a reflection of mutual respect and historical interconnectedness.
They underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties and deepening understanding between peoples. They noted that events like the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition create meaningful spaces for dialogue and collaboration, allowing artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to explore shared histories and reimagine the future through creativity.
Guests at the exhibition lauded the vibrant displays, live performances, and immersive installations, noting that the event not only celebrated Fela’s legacy but also reaffirmed the enduring impact of Afrobeat as a global movement for freedom, unity, and social justice.
“Art and music transcend boundaries,” Ambassador Mignot said. “Through exhibitions like Afrobeat Rebellion, we celebrate not just artistic expression but shared values of freedom, creativity, and dialogue. Fela’s legacy reminds us that culture is a powerful tool for unity, for questioning the world, and for inspiring positive change.”
He added that the European Union, under the Team Europe framework, remains committed to deepening cultural cooperation with Africa, supporting creative industries, and fostering people-to-people connections through art, music, and education.
“From Paris to Lagos, Afrobeat Rebellion embodies the spirit of partnership between Africa and Europe, a partnership rooted in respect, creativity, and shared humanity,” he said.
The exhibition’s arrival in Lagos, a city often described as the heartbeat of Afrobeat, symbolises a homecoming for the movement and its founder, whose music continues to inspire artists and activists worldwide.
As visitors walk through immersive installations and archival images, they encounter a living history of resistance and rhythm, a reminder that the beat of Afrobeat still echoes with the timeless message of justice, identity, and freedom.
