 |
| Clockwise: The museum, Fela’s bedroom and, shoes and pants. |
By Sodiq Oyeleke
The Lagos State Government has turned the house of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, into a museum to “promote cultural heritage and mark the 74th birthday” of the legendary musician.
Inside the museum located at 8, Gbemisola Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, to be and managed by Total Consult, are Fela’s trademark items like dresses, shoes and household materials.
The dresses are about 3,000.
Others include covers of the albums of the late musician.
Images on the album covers bear a variety of styles and typefaces which echo and comment on the works and politics of the artiste.
According to the state Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Government Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway, the Kalakuta Republic Museum is to bring back the old social life and culture to Lagos.
He noted that it was impossible to overstate the importance of Fela to Lagos and the global musical village.
He said, “It is only appropriate to have chosen a day as this to declare this monument open today to mark the 74th posthumous birthday of the legendary musician. It is also the beginning of Felabration – a weeklong series of festivities to celebrate a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician, human activist, tourism stakeholder and political maverick.
“This is a deliberate attempt at bringing the old social life back to Lagos through the creation of places of relaxation within safe and secure environment. As demonstrated by the involvement of the state government in this museum, it is pertinent to reiterate our commitment towards boosting tourism.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Femi, son of late Fela Kuti, hailed the state government for its support.
He, however, said the museum would only serve its value if the legacies his father fought for were brought to the reality.
He urged government at all levels to rise and foster equality and eradicate poverty in the country.
Source: Punch
No comments:
Post a Comment