Ghana, for the first time, will host the annual international Felabration Concert annually held in Nigeria in honour of the late Nigerian music great, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
The event which has kicked off worldwide will see Ghana’s version being held on October 15-16 at the Virtual Hub, East Legon in Accra.
The Felabration series of concerts was created by the late Afrobeat icon’s daughter, Yeni Anikulapo Kuti, in 1998 to honour the memory of her father who died a year earlier.
Ghana’s event will see some of her best artists performing at the two-day bash in Accra. They include veteran Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Steve Bedi, Owura, Kankam, Susan August, Salti, Kwamiena and Hicky B.
Also in attendance will be the Patchbay, Lipstick, Ananse, Fra and Della Hayes & the Women of Colour bands.
Selected performances from the Virtual Hub as well other locations such as Brazil, United States, Japan and Australia will be streamed live via the Internet and DSTv to over 18 million viewers worldwide.
Lagos’ New Afrika Shrine and Freedom Park, will host the Nigerian version.
A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Fela is widely known as the father of Afrobeat. Born in Abeokuta on October 15, 1938, and died on August 2, 1997.
Ghana and Nigeria have had strong musical ties for many years. Fela himself was a familiar face in Ghana and he worked with many Ghanaians in his various bands. He once said he was inspired by Ghanaian Highlife to create Afrobeat.
“Fela was a remarkable force on the world popular music scene. We are proud to be among those celebrating him. We urge all discerning music lovers to come to join us salute the great African icon, ” said Kweku Amoakohene of Virtual Hub.
This will not be the first appearance of Ghanaian musicians in Felabration in Nigeria. They include SSUE, Wanlov, Kyekyeku, Yasmeen Helwani, Tumi Ansah, Knii Lante, Yaa Pono and the Pan-African Youth Orchestra.
Felabration in Ghana is being organized by Virtual Hub in association with Scratch Studios.