If you were fortunate enough to have attended
the first ever UK installment of FELABRATION, which was held
at Indigo At The O2 on Friday, August 30, 2019,
then you will agree that it was an event that lived up to all the hype, as the
organisers Shalewa Kuti and DLA World founder May7ven produced
a spectacular and impressive event serving more than was on the menu.
Before entering the main space, attendees
were treated to African body art and face painting by creative artist Michael
Umoudit giving revellers that all-important Afrocentric look, while
DLA’s signature Africanised staging, styling, essential props and elaborate set
design impressed on entering the auditorium of the Indigo,
which had you immediately transported to an atmosphere where Fela would
have been proud to perform.
Two large African themed cages fixed to the
stage housed two scantily dressed African female dancers who danced along to
the Afrobeats music sets, courtesy of DJ Headmixtress, DJ Kashif &
DJ KC before introducing the host of the night to the stage.
Wasting no time, Afrobeats presenter and
host Adesope Olajide also known as the energy Gawd emerged to
the stage with his half painted face sporting a bright yellow print that
complimented his larger than life personality before announcing the first set
of performing artists, all of whom incorporated the vibe, musical influences
and sounds of Fela to their sets.
The audience danced to the incredible music
of Jayemoni, Rudebone, Baba, Ubin Mackson, Baba Komo, Kobi, Damibliz,
Willixo, A.Star, Eugy, Shiikane, Sona and Zinny, with DJ
Unbeetable killing it on the decks, for that seamless transition
between the performance sets, which also included dancers, a comedian, live
music, acrobatic and theatrical displays.
With less than 90 minutes to go, the
auditorium blacked out to introduce one of the most sought after Afrobeats band
in the UK, The Compozers. The band opened to an explosion of
lights, pyro and frenzy, which took the show to a whole other level playing a
mix of contemporary Afrobeats hits and classic Fela Kuti tracks,
before running out of time.
With the crowd, a wide range of ages and
backgrounds all hyped, it was no surprise the audience hung on to witness the
Afrobeat master and one of the original members of Fela’s band, Dele
Sosimi. Dele’s time on stage was priceless and simply sensational as
he had the entire audience on their feet, as they sang along to all of Fela’s
biggest hits back to back.
A special and unexpected collaboration
between Dele Sosimi, his 8-piece Afrobeat orchestra and Falz
The Bahdguy was just dynamite and captivating. Falz closed the show in
his unique and unforgettable infusion of rap, Afrobeats, Fela-inspired
showmanship and a performance masterclass.
With the spirit of Fela firmly in the
stratosphere, it was a token when the host introduced Shalewa Kuti,
daughter of the legend Fela, to her new audience to end the night. Shalewa thanked
the audience and her team graciously and resumed the famous position of both
hands in the air, which everyone imitated as a sign of respect to the legend
and his legacy. It was a truly remarkable experience.
Shalewa has made an impression on
the scene with this landmark event partnering with DLA World to
produce a classy, sophisticated, cultured, enthralling and dynamic event
celebrating her fathers music and Legacy in style at Indigo At The O2.
However way you went into Felabration UK, you
certainly left a bit more Africanised musically, culturally, expediently and
with the spirit of Fela!
See Pictures Below!
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