Lagos turns Fela’s home into Kalakuta Republic Museum
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.
He added, “We say a big ‘Thank You’ to the Lagos
State government. We are not one that supports any government but ensure
that all is well for the citizens. I sincerely commend Governor Fashola
who has stood out to be recognised with this.
“This would serve as a step forward if the cause my
father fought for is achieved. The issues of poverty, electricity,
education and many other vital ones aimed at making the nation a pillar
for envy. Our children should be able to see the vision of
pan-africanism through the struggle of my father. When we eradicate
poverty and our value increases, then we can say we have value and
reason to celebrate our coming generations.”
A former Minister of Planning, Chief Rasaheed Gbadamosi, was a friend of Fela, described the museum as ‘a memory brought alive’.
He said Fela was a true definition of democracy and an icon for equality.
He said, “This brings a lot of memory. It replaces
the bad moment when we lost Fela. It clearly shows that while we lost
Fela, his remains should always give us hope that goodness will return.”
Also, the curator of the museum, Mr. Lemi Gharioku,
said the museum was a deserved one as it would preserve the legacy of
the icon.
He added, “More can be done to celebrate the hero who
demonstrated persistency despite all odds and threats. Fela has been
recognised internationally, and is worth to be celebrated in his state
and country where he fought for liberation, transparency and equality of
all people.”
Also at the event were Fela’s other children that include Yeni and Seun; and founder of Evergreen Music, Mr. Femi Esho.
Credit: Punchng
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