Nigeria, the land of plenty

recent history at the new afrika shrine Fela used to play in a space called "the Shrine" which is no longer existing. His children have revived it in a new location called the "New Afrika Shrine". It is nonetheless full of the presence of Fela. The walls carry paintings, pictures, work of art and one corner is even a proper Yoruba shrine with all the wooden gods statues which Fela used to worship. Fela's shirt hanging The New Afrika Shrine is now located in Alausa a recently redeveloped area not far from the airport. This is actually a mix of governement buildings, compounds and not far a Shoprite mall. Avenues lined with trees have pushed away the once unsafe neighborhoods. the shrine within Security is anyway taken seriously around the Shrine, with a crew of watchman carrying sticks and whip to deter potential robbers that could be lurking in the dark around cars parked on the streets. on stage

backstage promotion During Felabrations, a whole crew of artists are invited to perform on the New Afrika Shrine. They gather at the back of the building and enter through "l'entrée des artistes" (a bamboo gate with strong security) to avoid mixing with the public. artists at l'entrée des artistes Two tents were acting as lounges for artists to interact with journalists, furnished with carpets, sofas and fake crystal lamps, dim lights, so that trendy artists could spend a pleasant time waiting for their turn. Another tent was sponsored by Orijin a soft drink made with local plants, tasting a bit like campari; It was served as cocktail with palm wine. cosily lounging Another corner was well lit for interviews, and then at the back of the building a long tent with long tables where food could be served. One passage is leading inside of the Shrine, along one side of the stage, while another one is leading to "les coulisses". Bright yellow wall...