Fela
Different styles of dresses inspired by Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, were showcased on Saturday at the ‘Dress Fela’ fashion show in Lagos.
The event, held at Freedom Park, Lagos, was organised in collaboration with DeLaChess Couture to celebrate Fela’s influence on fashion, culture and contemporary African style.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the show forms part of activities leading up to Felabration, the annual festival celebrating Fela’s life, music and enduring legacy.
Fela, renowned for his distinctive fashion, political activism and revolutionary music, remains an influential figure in African music and popular culture.
Models showcased diverse outfits on the runway, exploring the relationship between Fela’s iconic style and contemporary fashion.
The outfits demonstrated how clothing could serve as a tool for self-expression, cultural identity and creative interpretation of African heritage.
Some attendees expressed delight at the show’s creativity, originality and celebration of Fela’s legacy through fashion.
Adesewa Bakare described the event as a creative platform for celebrating Fela’s legacy through fashion and personal expression.
“Every outfit tells a story, and I love how the designers used fashion to communicate identity and individuality,” she said.
Bakare said the creativity behind the different styles demonstrated fashion’s potential as a powerful form of self-expression.
“I am delighted to see Fela’s influence celebrated beyond music. His legacy continues to inspire creativity across different aspects of culture,” she said.
Another attendee, Chukwudi Okafor, said the show stood out for its originality and connection between fashion and Nigerian cultural identity.
“What makes this show unique is how it brings together culture, creativity and contemporary fashion in one place,” he said.
Okafor said the different outfits demonstrated that fashion went beyond clothing to communicate stories and cultural experiences.
“I appreciate the fact that the show encourages people to embrace their cultural identity while expressing themselves in their own distinctive ways,” he said.
Temiloluwa Akinyemi said the event offered designers and fashion enthusiasts an opportunity to explore new ideas while celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“I am impressed by the originality of the outfits on display and the different interpretations of Fela-inspired fashion,” she said.
Akinyemi said the show demonstrated how designers could draw inspiration from cultural heritage and transform it into modern, exciting styles.
“It is encouraging to see fashion being used to preserve cultural identity while giving people the freedom to express their personalities through what they wear,” she said.
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NAN reports that Felabration, initiated by Fela’s family, celebrates the musician’s contributions to music, culture and the struggle for social justice.
The annual festival attracts musicians, artists, cultural enthusiasts and audiences from Nigeria and beyond, highlighting the continued relevance of Fela’s music and ideals.
Fela, who died on Aug. 2, 1997, remains one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, with his Afrobeat sound inspiring artists worldwide.
His outspoken criticism of political corruption and social injustice also continues to influence musicians and cultural movements across the globe.
The 2026 edition of Felabration is scheduled to hold from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18. (NAN)
