Everybody in the UK has a reason to say “Yeah, Yeah” as Felabration makes its way to two UK cities this October.
Gidi Vibes is set to bring the licensed Felabration to the UK with the global theme “Look and Laugh,” which speaks to Fela’s satirical approach to addressing social and political issues through his music.
The festival which will take place across two cities—Sheffield and Hull— is revving up with a vibrant lineup of live music performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and other cultural showcases.
A cultural staple, Felabration has been an annual international music festival founded by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti to celebrate the life and legacy of her father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. As the pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African music with jazz, funk, and highlife, Fela’s influence on global music and culture continues to resonate today.
Undoubtedly, Felabration has become a worldwide movement, bringing people together through the power of Afrobeat, activism, and the celebration of African culture.
This UK edition will feature art exhibitions and film screenings-an exclusive showcase of Afrocentric art and a documentary screening on Fela Kuti’s life at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, offering festival-goers an immersive cultural experience.
The live performances will feature renowned Afrobeat artists and DJs, creating an unforgettable musical experience that reverberates the energy of Fela.
Felabration will be celebrated as part of Hull Museums and Gallery’s exhibitions, “Seen and Unseen” and “Sound of Our Skin.”
For those who are yet to see the documentary ‘Fela Kuti: Music Is The Weapon or Finding Fela!,’ this Felabration will break that jinx.
To wrap off this year’s event, there will be a thrilling after-party at ATIK Nightclub in Hull, ensuring that the celebration of Afrobeat and African culture continues into the night.
With interactive installations and cultural showcases, festival-goers will learn about Fela’s activism and connect with African heritage on a deeper level.
“With our unique platform, The Gidi Vibes™, we aim to create synergies between corporate brands, creatives, and the community,” says the organisers. “Felabration 2024 offers an opportunity for sponsors to gain visibility and connect with a passionate audience. We are partnering with key cultural institutions such as Ferens Art Gallery, through the Hull Museums and Gallery and corporate sponsors like TransferGo, who are helping us bring this event to life.
We are also open to further partnerships and sponsors to support this event. Brands interested in aligning with a movement that champions African culture, diversity, and music can gain invaluable exposure and engagement.”
Felabration 2024 is more than a music festival—it’s a celebration of African excellence, a cultural movement that honours Fela Kuti’s bold stance against injustice, and a tribute to his role in shaping global music.
It is a platform to not only celebrate African culture but to amplify the voices of African creatives in the diaspora, pushing boundaries and driving cultural innovation.
