Twenty years after his death, honour has continued to trail afrobeat superstar, Fela Anikulapo Kuti . AKEEM LASISI reports
The wave of tributes that marked this year’ s edition of
Felabration, a posthumous festival in his honour, was particularly strong, to the extent that Lagos State Governor, Mr . Akinwunmi Ambode , attended a special session for him on Sunday.
At the event held at Afrika Shrine, Agidingbi, Ikeja , the governor , his aides and associates , as well as other stakeholders, savoured musical performances, most of which were afrobeat-related.
While Lagos -based comedian , Omo Baba , was the compere, Humble Smith and Fela ’ s muscian sons, Femi and Seun , treated the audience to beautiful music . Humble Smith tried different kinds of numbers , but
Osinachi, his popular song, was still his best bet.
Seun was still very loyal to conventional afrobeat , with some members of the Egypt ’ 80 band creating the penetrating musical aura for which Fela was renowned . Yet, it was Femi who made the noon the most memorable treat .
Although they played separately , Femi and Seun exhibited a musical legacy that is total . Articulating their lyrics with vigour and spice, they demonstrated that they are not in the group of ‘ Track one!’ artistes who are fond of miming songs on stage. Each of them also showcased versatility as he moved from the microphone to the trumpet and piano. But in terms of the handling of instruments, Femi surely ruled the show, with his prolonged stay on the trumpet, which was so impressive that both the governor and the governed rose to appreciate him with applause.
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