The Lagos
State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday evening hosted a well attended
special Lagos
Jump event
at the New Afrika Shrine to round 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 Lagos State Government
for supporting this year’s edition of the event, saying that it was an honour
done to the entire Fela family.
She
specifically thanked Governor Ambode for personally gracing the Special Lagos
Jump at the Afrika Shrine, noting that he was the first sitting Governor to do
so in official capacity.
“I sent the
Governor an email requesting for support for Felabration 2017 and he responded
immediately. I was shocked. I met him (Governor) 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 developmental strides and purposeful leadership in the State.
“Your
Excellency, we wish you good governance, we wish you prosperity in your
leadership and we do hope this State can be satisfactory to all citizens
because I believe that is your ambition,” Femi said.
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 the Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, ace movie
producer, Kunle Afolayan, lawyer and rights activist, Femi Falana, former Lagos
State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, Pat Utomi, Managing Director, Terra Kulture,
Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, among other dignitaries.
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