Felabration 2024: Dates Confirmed, October 14–20

The 2024 Felabration music festival, an annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of the late Afrobeat superstar Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, has its date confirmed by the event organizers.

The festival, which is renowned for celebrating Kuti’s influence on politics, music, and African culture, is set to take place at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos from October 14 to October 20.

The subject for the 2024 Felabration has “renewed significance to ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and inspire action,” according to Yeni Kuti, president of the organizing committee.

“With ‘Look and Laugh,’ we honor Fela’s legacy by embracing his message of resilience and expression. In a country grappling with record levels of inflation, currency devaluation, and rising food and fuel prices, this year’s theme takes on renewed significance,” she said.

“Felabration 2024 aims to ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and inspire action, carrying forward Fela’s legacy of social consciousness and innovation through entertainment.”

The title of this year’s event, “Look and Laugh,” is derived from a song that was first made available by Kuti in 1980 and was included on his album “Coffin for Head of State.”

Activities during the seven-day event will include the Dress Fela Fashion Competition, Afrobics Dance Competition, Secondary School Debate, and “The Fela Debates.”

The theme connects with the “various faces of modern-day corruption,” according to the organizers.

“The song’s lyrics subtly condemn self-serving actions and satirically calls on listeners to open their eyes to the truth and act against oppression,” the statement added.

The trip towards October’s festival has begun with the reveal of the logo and theme, which promises an enriching experience for attendees.