From Galala To Afrobeats: Felabration Celebrates Nigeria’s Musical Generations
By OBI DAVIES
FELABRATION once again brought together different generations of music lovers as Daddy Showkey, Peruzzi, Shodday, L.A.X, Barry Jhay and Hotkeed delivered lively performances at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos.
The Saturday-night concert, which ended in the early hours of Sunday, formed part of the annual festival honouring Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. This year’s theme, “Who Are You?”, provided the backdrop for an evening of music and celebration.
Daddy Showkey took fans back to the Galala era with his signature sound. In contrast, Peruzzi, Shodday, L.A.X, Barry Jhay and Hotkeed brought contemporary Nigerian music to the stage, performing popular songs that delighted the audience.
The mix of musical styles gave the gathering a distinctly intergenerational character. While older fans revisited familiar sounds, younger listeners experienced performances that connected Nigeria’s musical past with its present.
Chido Nwosu, one of the attendees, described Daddy Showkey’s appearance as a nostalgic experience. He said the performance recalled the old-school sounds that helped shape Nigerian popular music.
Bolaji Owotayi, meanwhile, praised Peruzzi and L.A.X for getting fans to sing along and dance. Their performances, he said, added to the excitement of the evening.
Yet Felabration represents more than a concert series. The festival also celebrates Fela’s role as a musician whose work challenged social and political conditions. For Omoziku Friday, that message remains particularly important for younger generations.
He said the event offered young people an opportunity to understand Fela’s contributions to music and his courage in speaking about issues affecting society.
Through concerts, debates, dance, art and fashion, Felabration continues to preserve and promote Fela’s cultural influence. Moreover, its ability to bring established performers and contemporary artistes together reinforces the festival’s place in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
