Felabration 2026: Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Made Kuti Headline 7-Day Festival In Lagos

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

Lagos is set to host Felabration 2026, the annual music festival celebrating the life and legacy of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

The week-long festival will hold from October 12 to 18, 2026, at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, with a lineup of musical performances, art exhibitions, fashion and cultural discussions.

Felabration is Africa’s biggest music festival dedicated to a single artiste and has been held annually since 1998, a year after Fela’s passing. The festival celebrates Fela’s musical genius, his political activism and his enduring influence on Nigerian culture and global music.

According to organizers, the theme for this year’s edition is “Who Are You”, a question that reflects Fela’s philosophy of self-awareness, identity and political consciousness. The theme encourages a new generation of Nigerians to connect with Fela’s ideas and to question societal norms.

Speaking on the festival, Yeni Kuti, co-manager of the New Afrika Shrine and daughter of Fela, said Felabration continues to serve as a platform for promoting Nigerian culture and preserving the legacy of Afrobeat.

She said, “It’s a very positive thing because if you come to the Shrine, you see people from all over the world. I’m glad that we are doing it and we are promoting our culture.”

 

Activities for Felabration 2026 will kick off with the Dress Fela fashion show, scheduled ahead of the main festival.

The fashion show will showcase Fela’s distinctive style and its influence on contemporary fashion and creative expression. The event is expected to feature designers interpreting Fela’s iconic stage outfits, his love for Ankara and his bold fashion statements.

The 2026 lineup will feature headline performances from Fela’s sons, Femi Kuti and The Positive Force, Made Kuti, and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, who have continued to keep Afrobeat alive globally.

Guest artistes scheduled to perform include Apala exponent Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Terry Apala, Atawewe, and veteran rapper Ice Prince.

Other artistes listed for this year’s edition include Slimcase, Kleva Jay, Ceeza Milli, http://T.Classic, Sunkey Snoop, Soundboi and Labule, with more performers expected to be announced on the official Felabration page.

The festival will also include art installations, dance competitions, fashion displays and panel discussions on Fela’s political legacy, human rights and youth activism.

Felabration is more than a music concert. Over seven days, visitors to the New Afrika Shrine will experience a cultural immersion into Fela’s world.

Music lovers can expect live Afrobeat performances, highlife and fusion sounds, while cultural enthusiasts will enjoy art exhibitions showcasing Fela’s life, his Kalakuta Republic and his activism during the military era.

There will also be sessions on the history of Afrobeat, its influence on contemporary Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido, and discussions on how Fela’s message of resistance remains relevant in today’s Nigeria.

Food vendors, craft makers and fashion entrepreneurs will also display their products at the Shrine, making it a full cultural market.

Venue, Date and How To Attend

Venue: New Afrika Shrine, NERDC Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date: October 12 to 18, 2026.

Time: Daily from 6pm.

Attendance is free for many events at the Shrine, while some special nights may require tickets. Organizers advise attendees to arrive early due to expected large crowds from across Lagos, Nigeria and the diaspora.

Security has been assured by organizers in collaboration with Lagos State authorities.

 

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997, remains one of Africa’s most influential musicians. He pioneered Afrobeat, a genre that blends West African music with American funk and jazz, and used his music to criticize government corruption and advocate for human rights.

Felabration keeps that spirit alive. For seven days every October, Lagos becomes the global capital of Afrobeat, attracting tourists from the United States, Europe and across Africa.

For Lagos State, the festival is also a major tourism driver, supporting hotels, transport and creative businesses in Ikeja and across the state.

As at the time of filing this report, more artistes are expected to be announced.

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