Organisers of iconic Felabration, an annual tribute to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s spirit of creativity and human rights activism have entered a strategic partnership with indigenous culture advisory and fulfilment company, The Plug, for the 2023 edition of the festival.

The landmark collaboration will see The Plug co-host with the Felabration Organisation Committee, led by Yeni Kuti, a discourse on the growth and sustenance of African music in the international scene. The new panel addition will be anchored by filmmaker and award winning Youtuber, Eniola ‘Korty’ Olanrewaju, and will be held on Sunday, 8 October 2023 to mark the start of the eight-day celebration of Fela’s contributions to the society.

Speaking on the essence of the collaboration, Head of the Felabration Festival Organising Committee, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, said, “Our partnership with The Plug underscores our shared vision for elevating the global view and acceptance of African culture. The Plug has a rich history of community engagement, having hosted some of the biggest youth festivals out of Africa in the last five years. We are confident that through our combined efforts, we will scale reach and highlight the diversity of African stories to a diasporic audience.”
Managing Partner, and COO of The Plug, Tobi Mohammed, expressed his enthusiasm on the landmark partnership, stating,

“We are delighted to have been selected by the Committee as one of the contributors for this year’s event.

“As one of Africa’s leading culture advisory, talent management and live events agencies, we are dedicated to promoting African creativity and culture, and this collaboration provides a unique platform to broaden the visibility of such an impactful event. For over two decades, the Felabration Organising Committee has consistently grown the global understanding and acceptance of African artistry, and our team is eager to leverage the opportunity to further raise the public’s consciousness, while inspiring and forging connections with the broader community,” Mohammed continued.

Conceived in 1998 by Yeni to honour the legacy of her father, this year’s celebration will be themed ‘Question Jam Answer’ – drawing from a classic record composed by Fela and released in 1972. The song fits right into the socio-political mood of the country in the aftermath of a highly debated and intriguing general election.

Every year, Felabration features an exciting lineup of artists designed to satisfy the appetite of music lovers who throng the New Africa Shrine. Among the notable performers to have graced the festival include Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Awilo, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Asa, TuFace, Seun Kuti, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and more.

In line with its annual tradition, the Felabration 2023 will include a range of activities including ‘The Fela Debates’ symposium series, the Secondary Schools Debate, Afrobics Dance Competition, Art Exhibitions, Art Competitions, and more.