Lagos has come alive with rhythm, colour, and memory as an exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti opens its doors — marking the African debut of a show first staged at the Philharmonie de Paris in France. The expanded Lagos edition showcases over 440 items, including rare personal memorabilia, paintings, photographs, and video footage of Fela’s electrifying performances. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the music revolutionary, listen to live renditions of his hits, and even purchase replicas of his famously bold, colourful underwear.

Lead curator Seun Ali revealed that the Lagos exhibition triples the scale of the Paris version, offering fans a deeper look into Fela’s music, activism, and lasting influence. “It’s three times larger,” Ali said. “We’re not just showcasing his art and politics — we’re building legacy programming to carry his message forward.” The show captures Fela’s unique blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythms, as well as his fearless political commentary that made him a thorn in the side of Nigeria’s military rulers in the 1970s and 80s.

Nearly three decades after his death in 1997, Fela’s spirit still pulses through the streets of Lagos, where Afrobeat continues to shape global music and inspire resistance. Creative entrepreneur Bayo Omoboriowo summed it up best: “Are there still people that can speak like Fela? Fight like Fela? Believe in a cause like Fela?” As Lagos celebrates its most outspoken son, one can’t help but wonder — who will carry the torch of fearless truth-telling into the next generation? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.