ACETNEWS
Music, rhythm and the enduring spirit of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti took centre stage at the New Afrika Shrine, on Central Business District, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday night as about 45 emerging and established artistes electrified the venue for the grand finale of Felabration, the annual festival celebrating the life, music and legacy of the late icon.
By sunset, the New Afrika Shrine was almost filled to capacity. Long queues of Afrobeat lovers and fun seekers filed through the major entrances into the Shrine.
Beginning at about 8.30 p.m., the concert brought together a diverse line-up of musicians, including Wale Thompson, Femi Kuti, Dele Taiwo, Fela 3, KCEE, Ayomide Africa, Kacy, Reminisce, Noface, Papy Longo, Kingsetty, Odunzay, Cflex, Drey Star, Toby Mykel, Fome Green. Maliaka Danny S, Bisola Omoge and Sean Tizzle.
With each performer allotted three minutes on stage, the programme unfolded as a rapid succession of musical acts, reflecting the breadth of talent drawn to the festival and Fela’s continuing influence on successive generations of Nigerian musicians.
First to take the shot on stage was a young female saxophonist who dressed in green outfit. She serenaded the crowded hall with her sax, blasting rhythmic jazz instrumental tunes to the delight of the audience.
The 2026 Felabration with the theme Who Are You?, signifies the spirit of self-expression and individuality that the late Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti championed, and which resonates with the Fearless Energy Drink DNA of I CAN, I AM, encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness with boldness, the brand rejuvenated upcoming music stars with positive energy to showcase their talents in the lineup of activities in this year’s Felabration.
The electronic time board located within the crowd kept each musician on their toes to keep to the three minutes maximum time allotted each musician on stage. Only few breached this rule but got a ‘Stop Show’ warning from the time keeper.
There were more male performers than female. However, the female artistes made up for their shortfall by being more dramatic in their presentations. Vendors of food, snacks and drinks were never in short supply of their items as they milled around the audience during the performance. The night show got to its crescendo when the stars among the pack took to stage.
Rite Foods’ Fearless Energy Drink brand has again demonstrated its leading position by sponsoring the 2026 Felabration musical festival, featuring electrifying artist performances, as well as a dance and music all concerts.
The grand finale at the New Afrika Shrine on Sunday night was an electrifying, high-energy climax that officially wrapped up the week-long Felabration 2026 festival. The crowd was highly spirited, completely packing out the iconic Ikeja venue.
The night witnessed some astonishing highlights like the ultimate Kuti climax: The absolute apex of the night occurred when Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Mádé Kuti all shared the stage, blasting their saxophones simultaneously. The over one hour joint performance sent the massive crowd into a complete frenzy. Femi Kuti delivered a highly energetic, standalone live performance earlier in the evening. But for KCEE’s show-stopping set, the pop star KCEE completely blew the crowd away. His performance was widely regarded as one of the most amazing individual highlights of the night, keeping the
entire Shrine dancing. He was accompanied on stage with masqueraders from Eastern part of Nigeria.
Another star-studded performance came from the final lineup which brought non-stop excitement with heavy-hitting sets from L.A.X, Barry Jhay, Danny S, and Sean Tizzle. Ghanaian star KCEE turned heads and added extra colour to the finale with a bold, beautiful, and highly engaging performance on the main stage that was described as bold showmanship at the concert.
Earlier on Friday, October 16, the event which comprises a line-up of exhilarating activities featured a musical concert which had young performing artists and notable ones. While on Tuesday, the number one Fearless Energy Drink presented a prize to Olamide Adio, the winner of the rap challenge, which featured youngsters such as Albright, Owocho, Tony Canon, Kashvegas, Ihuneyo, Marshal and Evergreen, while performances by Lufemi & D Afrikanas, Tobi Majeek.
According to the organisers, Yeni and Femi Kuti, Felabration, is more than a festival; it is a celebration of the life, music and legacy of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti. From the infectious Afrobeat rhythm to the vibrant expression of African culture, it is a space where creativity, freedom and self-expression come alive.
The week-long show, which speaks of knowing yourself and roots- identity, promotes originality and creativity. There was debate from Secondary schools, a symposium, a fashion show by Lanre Da-Silva, among other programs planned for the annual festival.
