Lagos has unleashed a monumental tribute to its most rebellious son, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, in a sprawling new exhibition where visitors can immerse themselves in 440 pieces of his legacy—from iconic photographs to live musical renditions, and yes, even replicas of his famously flamboyant underwear.
The exhibition, making its African debut after a run in Paris, has been tripled in size for its Lagos homecoming. It transforms from a standard retrospective into a full-sensory experience, celebrating the man who used his music as a weapon against political corruption and military dictatorship.
Lead curator Seun Ali stated the goal was not just to display history, but to ignite a new generation. “We are now adding legacy programming,” Ali explained, ensuring Fela’s spirit of resistance is felt as urgently today as it was in the 1970s. This sentiment was echoed by creative entrepreneur Bayo Omoboriowo, who challenged attendees: “Are there still people that can speak like Fela? Are there people that can fight like Fela?”
Why It Matters
This exhibition is more than a museum display; it’s a cultural resurrection. In a nation still grappling with the very political issues Fela railed against, this celebration does something profound: it asks if his fiery brand of activism can be bottled and passed on. The inclusion of his colourful underwear is a symbol of his unapologetic individuality and rebellion against conservative norms.
By transforming his legacy into an interactive, multi-sensory experience, the curators aren’t just preserving a memory—they’re attempting to re-arm the public with Fela’s fearless spirit.
