As the world embraces the music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the
youth are better inspired by Fela’s ingenuity as his music overtime has become
our socio-political historical archive. Fela told our story as it should be
told, giving Africa the sense of pride and integrity. 
What do we hope to
achieve by bringing London Afrobeat Collective (LAC) to Nigeria?
The objective is to depict and reawaken the can-do spirit and
energy that Fela represents. It has become the pride of our culture.
The can-do spirit and energy epitomized by Fela’s invention
of Afrobeat represents Africa is potential that our youth should latch on. To LAC
and others mostly Caucasians have
imbibed only Fela’s music ingenuity which has become a perfect medium for
socio-political commentary, contributing to the development of African people
and the African continent only if our youths can key into this can-do spirit
and energy. The world’s view of first citizen impacted integrity, then the
progressive African youth will soon take over the affairs of our continent and
move it to a higher level. Lest we forget that this can-do energy and spirit is
what propelled the Awolowos, the Mandelas, the Nkrumas, the Azikiwes, the Tafawa
Balewas, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Queen Amina, and a host of others while they
were growing up to become the pride of our continent.
London Afrobeat 10 piece band is a testimony of what an
African mind, brain and energy can contribute to the world. Showcasing LAC to
our youth will not only reaffirm that but will inspire more of such ingenuity
not only in the area of music but other professional facets of life. The energy
of our youth needs to be recharged with self believe, confidence and pride in
their culture as a source of not only African but World development.
Before now, such energy and can-do spirit was erroneously
believed to reside only in the individuals from the western world.
Fela’s invention and founding of Afrobeat continue to provide
not only entertainment for the pleasure of human mind but economic growth and
livelihood for individuals, groups and institutions across the globe.
Pride of Culture is a project with 3 layers humanity appeal
of Afrobeat and huge commercial potential; and the works of Fela Anikulapo Kuti
have and continue to affect human development positively.
Ogun State is blessed not only with Nigerian-first but
African-first in many professional disciplines of human endeavour. The Pride of
Culture is conceived within the atmosphere of can do spirit and energy as
obtainable in the State today. LAC group will have a good showing at the
prestigious remodelled June 12 Cultural Centre made possible by Heyden Oil
founded by a proud son of Ogun State. In his words “Ogun State product that has
become a world phenomenon cannot have its First tour of Africa without the
right of homage to his root, Fela Anikulapo’s state of origin”. Heyden Oil
among her numerous socio-civic responsibilities once again is bringing these
world phenomenon to the youth and people of Ogun State.
Dapo Abiodun, the Managing Director of Heyden Oil believes
that if culture thoroughly defines who we are, then charity must begin at home.
LAC shall perform in Ogun State with the Ogun youth and the original owner of
Afrobeat brand of music.
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