Felabration Hull 2025 celebrates the sound, spirit and struggle of Fela Kuti

Last Saturday in the UK, Felabration Hull 2025 brought together artists, thinkers, and music lovers to honour Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer, fearless activist, and cultural icon whose work continues to inspire global movements for freedom, identity, and creative resistance.

Convened by Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà, Founder of The Gidi Vibes™, Chief Creative Officer of Morpheus Multimedia and member of the Hull Music Board, this year’s festival formed part of Hull’s Black History Month celebrations. The 2025 theme, “Shakara: Bold Expressions of Afrobeat,” explored how Fela’s creativity, philosophy, and political courage continue to shape conversations about identity, art, and social change worldwide.

A Day of Rhythm, Reflection, and Resistance

The festival opened with The Underground Spiritual Game: Fela Kuti, a visual storytelling exhibition curated by Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà at the Wilberforce House Museum — the historic home of abolitionist William Wilberforce. Through photography, archival materials, and the evocative masks of Nigerian artist Abolore Sobayo, the exhibition traced Fela’s global influence and his spiritual defiance through art.

“We are delighted to host this exhibition by Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà at Wilberforce House Museum, introducing the story of a giant in musical culture to a new audience,” said Robin Diaper, Curator at Hull Museums.

Sobayo personally engaged visitors, sharing stories behind his Echoes collection — masks inspired by Yoruba traditions of remembrance and Fela’s message of spiritual freedom.

“African masks, known for its element of communicating with spirits and ability to reenact stories and myth, serve as a record of past leaders” added Abolore Sobayo. “In this case, it honours Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti and his Mother, Funmilayo Ransom Kuti.

Developed with support from Hull Museums and the Black Heritage of Hull Collective (led by Stella Munthali), the exhibition will run until 2 November 2025.

Conversations that Moved Minds

At the Ferens Art Gallery, an audience gathered to discuss the legacy of Fela via keynotes, and thought leadership sessions.

Rikki Stein, Fela’s longtime manager, offered a rare personal reflection on his 15 years with Fela. He did this via video from the Heathrow Airport on his way to Felabration Nigeria.  The timing carried deep symbolism: Hull’s Felabration was unfolding as Lagos hosted its own during Fela’s birthday week. Gui Morais’ keynote, “From Vinyl to Streaming: Afrobeat’s Global Journey and the Future of Distribution”, delivered from Ireland, offered a masterclass in navigating the modern music industry.

“The Business of Music & City Identity: How Music Shapes Culture & Community” and “Fela Kuti’s Influence on Music, Arts, Media & Fashion” formed panel discussion themes unpacked by a diverse selection of experts from Nigeria and the UK.  This included Tuoyo Amuka;  Vanguard Media Nigeria, Jenni Harrison; Creative Director, Hull Music Board member, James “DJ RealBeats” Paine, Ridwan Aguda, Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà, Lolade Nwanze; Daily Times Nigeria, Abolore Sobayo, Tolu Olafimihan; Founder GNAtion and Olamide Jasanya.

Film and Finale

The celebration continued at PQ Event Space with a community screening of Finding Fela, presented with support from Dogwoof Studios. The documentary deepened the exhibition’s concept of “The Underground Spiritual Game” — where music becomes ritual, protest, and shared awakening.

The evening came to a close with the Sauti Sessions Block Party, featuring BOG, H.I.M. The Sage, Admiral Josh, and the exceptional performance from DJ Nas  — all Yorkshire-based artists.

Reflecting on the day’s event, convener Fagbemi Osinuga said: “Felabration Hull wasn’t just a tribute to Fela — it was a reawakening. Holding it in Wilberforce’s city reminds us that liberation takes many forms. Wilberforce fought to end physical slavery; Fela fought to free the African mind. Both sought justice through courage.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “It is a fantastic example of how collaboration can bring global stories to the city, connecting our local community with worldwide cultural heritage.”