Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a living legend

Lagos State government have decided to honour the iconic Afro beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti to celebrate his posthumous birthday. He was born on the 15th of October 1938.

The history of Nigeria can not be completely narrated without mentioning Fela Anikualpo Kuti’s name. Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome Kuti, he became  a legend, a feat any artist is yet to attain.

Fela was not an ordinary musician, he was a human right activists, panafricanist, polygamist, political maverick, reason why he was labeled “Abami Eda”. He was also the pioneer of Afro beat music genre. The legend had a mystic behaviour, and apart from the truth in the content of his music, his political activism, he also at a time married twenty seven women together.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, announced that, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will unveil a statue in Fela’s memory on Sunday 15th of October 2017. The statue will be at Allen roundabout in Ikeja. The Governor is doing this in line with his commitment to promote art and celebrate iconic figures.

According to the commissioner, “Fela did not only capture the global audience as a charismatic and energetic musician using Lagos as his base; he was revered for fighting against corruption and oppression even at the risk of imprisonment or death. His creativity, courage, passion and extraordinary ability to rise against the odds are trademarks of a true Lagosian”.

To celebrate the day, the Governor and other government officials will visit the Kalakuta museum to pay homage to the icon. The occasion will be marked off with a musical tribute at the Afrikan shrine at Agindigbi which will mark the end of the year Felabration.

Fela’s statue is done in fiberglass and stands 25 feet with title Liberation. The art work was done by artist Abolore  Sobayo of cowrie studios.

The mystic legend, Fela Anikulapo can’t be celebrated less. His utmost courage should be celebrated all over the world.