Felabration 2026 is here. The yearly festival for Afrobeat founder Fela Anikulapo Kuti is listed for 12 to 18 October 2026 at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, with Fela’s birthday on 15 October falling on a Thursday. This guide explains what Felabration is, what usually happens and how to plan your visit. The 2026 theme is “Who Are You”, and organisers have announced headline performances from Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, Made Kuti and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, with guest artists including apala exponent Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Terry Apala, Atawewe and Ice Prince. A “Dress Fela” fashion show kicked off activities on Saturday 10 October. Ticket prices had not been published, so confirm details through the official channels, and see the report from Voice of Nigeria.
What Is Felabration?
Felabration is an annual week-long tribute to Fela Kuti, begun in 1998 by his daughter Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti. The week fills the New Afrika Shrine with live Afrobeat, art, debates and dance. The Shrine is a successor to the original Afrika Shrine that Fela opened in 1970, and it is managed by his children. To understand the man behind the festival, read our full guide to Fela Kuti: life, Afrobeat, Kalakuta Republic and legacy.
What Usually Happens
- Concerts: nightly live music at the New Afrika Shrine, with Afrobeat and other styles.
- Fela Debates and symposiums: public discussions on politics, society and culture.
- Secondary-school debates and art exhibitions: a youth and visual-art side to the week.
- Dress Like Fela day and the carnival: fans copy Fela’s style, and the celebration spills onto the streets.
Each year has a theme, such as “Look and Laugh” in 2024 and “Shakara” in 2025. Check the official channels for the nightly schedule, as times can change.
Tips for Visiting
- Check the official Felabration website and the Shrine’s social pages for the final programme and prices.
- Plan travel and security with local advice, as crowds in Ikeja can be large.
- Arrive early for popular nights, and dress comfortably for an open-air venue.
The Yoruba Roots of Afrobeat
Afrobeat grew from Yoruba rhythms, highlife, jazz and funk. Learn about the instruments and genres in our guide to Yoruba music and the talking drum, and meet another giant of Yoruba music in King Sunny Adé. Fela’s birthday is also marked in his hometown; see Fela Kuti’s birthday in Abeokuta. His mother is profiled in Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
More Cultural Events
Browse our Events category, see major Yoruba festivals, or read the listing at the Rio Times for the dates.
Felabration FAQs
When is Felabration 2026?
It is listed for 12 to 18 October 2026, with Fela’s birthday on 15 October.
Where is Felabration held?
At the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos.
Who started Felabration?
Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, Fela’s daughter, began it in 1998.
Is Felabration free?
Many evenings have been free in past years, but organisers had not published 2026 prices at the time of writing, so check official sources.
