Felabration attracts Ghanaian artistes
Felabration, one of the biggest cultural gatherings on the continent, has just ended in Lagos, Nigeria where several Ghanaian artistes once again performed.
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They included Wanlov, Kyekyeku, Yasmeen Helwani, Tumi Ansah and Yaa Pono.
Felabration was created by Yeni Anikulapo Kuti in honour of her father and Afro-beat creator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti in 1998 to honour the music icon a year after his death.
This year’s celebration was from October 13 to 19. Apart from performances, there were also symposia that touched on various aspects of African culture and popular music.
A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Fela is widely known as the pioneer of Afrobeat. Born in Abeokuta on October 15, 1938, he died on August 2, 1997. It is recognised in respected music circles globally that he was inspired by Ghanaian highlife to create Afrobeat.
Recording engineer and producer Panji Anoff is the Felabration co-ordinator in Ghana. He expresses happiness about the regular strong Ghanaian presence at the festival.
“Ghana and Nigeria have had strong musical ties for many years. Fela himself was a familiar face in Ghana and he worked with many Ghanaian musicians.
“ He was a huge force on the world scene and we are proud to be among those who celebrate him yearly, this year,” Panji told The Mirror in a chat.
Felabration has, in the past, attracted musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Ras Kimono, Kymani Marley, Knii Lante and the late Lucky Dube.
