By Tope Musowo
Lagos
Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday hosted a well attended special Lagos jump event at the new Afrika Shrine toround off Felabration 2017 in honour of the 79th posthumous birthday of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
The governor, who had earlier in the day unveiled an effigy of the late Afrobeat legend, erected at the Allen Avenue roundabout, led top officials of the state government and other special guests of honour to grace the special Lagos Jump to climax the 2017 Felabration.
Giving an opening remark, Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, thanked the state government for supporting this year’s edition of the event, saying it was an honour done to the entire Fela family.
She specifically thanked Ambode for gracing the event, noting that he was the first sitting governor to do so in official capacity.
“I sent the governor an e-mail requesting for support for Felabration
2017 and he responded immediately. I was shocked. I met him
for the first time two weeks ago, but he has proved that he is an action governor,” she said.
Also speaking, Afrobeat star and son of the late icon, Femi Kuti, thanked the governor for the honour done to the family, just as he urged him to continue the development strides and purposeful leadership in the state.
The Guinness Book of Records holder, who got a standing ovation for his dexterity on the saxophone, thrilled the audience with some of his hit songs as well as a special rendition of Fela’s hit song “Water No Get Enemy”, to the excitement of the guests.
He also invited the governor and members of the top table to the floor to try out some dance steps.
Other artistes, who performed include the Osinachi crooner, Humblesmith, Nneka, Fela’s youngest son, Seun, among others.
Among those who graced the event include Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, ace movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, former Lagos Deputy governor, Otunba Femi Pedro, Professor Pat Utomi, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, among others.
