Music makes one accountable, says Femi Kuti during Afrika Shrine performance

Punch

The New Afrika Shrine domiciled in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, has for years been a haven for lovers of afrobeat music and afrocentric dances.

At the entrance to the Shrine, there are some receptionists on hand to ensure that guests adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols. Once inside the Shrine, one is greeted by inscriptions on the wall such as, ‘Welcome to the New Afrika Shrine’ and ‘The Secret of Life is to Have No Fear’, ‘Beware, Aids is Real: Protect Yourself’ and ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Africa Must Unite’.

On entering further into the belly of the event centre, there are pictures of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and his late mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, as well as the names of African gods such as Obatala, Sango, Orunmila, Osun, Obaluaye, Yemoja, Ogun, Osoosi and Olokun.

Our correspondent who visited the Shrine on Thursday witnessed Fela’s first son, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, performing alongside his own son, Made. They both played the saxophone on stage for some minutes as spectators cheered them on. They were also accompanied by dancers, who moved their bodies vigorously to the infectious afrobeat tunes wafting from the speakers. Some minutes into their performance, Femi said, “You know one thing about music? It makes you accountable. My son, Made, would be playing here on Wednesday, February 11, 2022, in the spirit of Valentine. You all should come and watch him.”