New Afrika Shrine

The New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja is the spiritual and musical home of the Kuti family — founded by Femi Anikulapo-Kuti in 2000 to continue the legacy of his father Fela Kuti's original Afrika Shrine. It hosts weekly live performances by Femi and Made Kuti and remains the most important Afrobeat venue in the world.

Why the New Afrika Shrine

The New Afrika Shrine is the most important Afrobeat venue in the world and one of the central addresses of contemporary Nigerian cultural life. Founded by Femi Anikulapo-Kuti in 2000 to honour and continue the legacy of his father Fela Kuti — the founding genius of Afrobeat and arguably the most influential African musician of the 20th century — the Shrine has become a working live-music venue, cultural pilgrimage site for international Afrobeat fans, and the recognised home of the contemporary Kuti musical dynasty.

The original Afrika Shrine, founded by Fela in 1972 and operating across multiple Lagos locations, was destroyed by fire in 1977 (the same year Fela's house was raided in the famous "Kalakuta Republic" military assault). The current building in Agidingbi, Ikeja, opened in 2000 under Femi's leadership, with Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti — Fela's daughter — managing the operations. Femi continues to perform regularly. His son Made Anikulapo-Kuti, a Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist in his own right, performs both with his father and with his own band.

The Music

The Shrine operates as a working live-music venue with multiple weekly performances. The signature shows are:

• Thursday — "Sunrise Jam" — extended jam sessions featuring Femi Kuti and the Positive Force band, with frequent guest appearances by other Afrobeat musicians, visiting international artists and family members.
• Sunday — Felabration weekend / regular Sunday performance — the headline weekly event with Femi Kuti or Made Kuti leading, plus full horn section and dancers.
• Special events throughout the year, including the annual Felabration festival in October — a week-long celebration of Fela's life and music featuring international and Nigerian Afrobeat acts.

Performances typically run from late evening into the early morning. The musical experience is the closest you will get anywhere to the original Afrika Shrine atmosphere — full horn section, multiple dancers, dense polyrhythmic Afrobeat extending to 10-minute and 20-minute song lengths, with spoken political and cultural commentary in the Fela tradition.

The Atmosphere

The Shrine is not a polished commercial concert venue — and that is its strength. The building is open-sided, with concrete floors and basic seating, decorated with murals, Fela artwork and political iconography. Food and drinks are served from on-site bars and food stalls (local Nigerian fare and standard bar drinks). The crowd mixes Lagos regulars, Nigerian celebrities, international visitors who have flown in specifically for a Shrine show, and Afrobeat-curious tourists.

Getting There

The Shrine is in Agidingbi, Ikeja — on the mainland, close to the National Stadium and the wider Ikeja entertainment district. From Victoria Island, the drive takes 60–90 minutes (or significantly longer during Friday/Saturday traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge). From Ikeja itself, 10–15 minutes. Ride-hail (Bolt, Uber) is the standard option for visitors; many visitors return at 2:00–4:00 AM after the show, so confirm your operator does late-night pickups before going.

Practical Information

Entry typically costs ₦2,000–₦5,000 depending on the event, with premium-table seating available for higher rates. Tickets are mostly sold at the door; very large events may pre-sell. Cash is the standard payment method, alongside cards at certain bars. Shows typically start late (10:00 PM or later) and run into the early morning. Dress is casual — t-shirts and jeans are standard; some visitors wear Nigerian traditional attire.

Felabration

Each October, the Shrine hosts the week-long Felabration festival — celebrating Fela's birthday (15 October). The week brings international Afrobeat acts to the venue, draws large international crowds to Lagos, and is the single most important Afrobeat event of the calendar. International visitors who can time their Lagos visit to coincide with Felabration find the city operating at one of its cultural high points. Accommodation in Ikeja during Felabration books out weeks ahead.

For International Visitors

For visitors flying into Lagos primarily to experience Afrobeat, the Shrine should be the central anchor of the visit. Pair Shrine attendance with a visit to the National Museum Lagos on Lagos Island, a longer stop at the Kalakuta Republic Museum (Fela's former home, also in Ikeja) and a Lagos record-shop crawl for original Afrobeat vinyl. A three-day Afrobeat-focused Lagos trip is a credible itinerary; Felabration week extends this to seven.

Etiquette and Practicalities

• Cash for entry and bar service — and small denominations for tipping the band during shows.
• Phones and recording — personal photo and video are accepted; professional camera and audio recording requires permission.
• Smoking — the Shrine is famously tolerant of indoor smoking, including cannabis use which is still illegal in Nigeria. Visitors should be aware that police periodically raid Lagos nightlife venues; the Shrine has historical good relationships with the authorities, but discretion is sensible.
• Security and pickpocketing — the Shrine itself is well-policed by venue security; the surrounding area is busier and warrants the standard Lagos urban precautions.
• Late-night return — confirm your ride-hail or hotel transfer can collect you at 3:00–4:00 AM before going.

Combining With Other Cultural Visits

The Kalakuta Republic Museum (Fela's preserved former home in Ikeja) is a strong same-day or next-day pairing for visitors interested in the full Kuti story. The National Museum Lagos in Onikan covers the deeper historical context. For visitors with extended time, the broader Lagos art scene anchors on the Nike Art Gallery and the various Victoria Island and Ikoyi galleries.

Plan Your Visit

For the broader Lagos context, see the Lagos city guide. For overnight stays near the Shrine, the Ikeja GRA hotels (Radisson Blu, Sheraton Lagos, Marriott) are the closest five-star options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Femi Kuti definitely perform? Femi performs at the Thursday Sunrise Jam and selected Sunday shows when in Lagos. International tour schedules occasionally take him away; check the Shrine's social channels for the upcoming week's confirmed lineup. Is the Shrine safe for international visitors? Yes — the venue itself is well-secured and welcoming. The standard Lagos late-night precautions apply on arrival and departure. Can I bring children? Shows are not suitable for young children given the late hours and adult atmosphere. Daytime visits to the empty venue can be arranged on request. Is alcohol served? Yes — the on-site bars serve full bar service. Can I meet Femi after the show? Femi often spends time backstage with visiting musicians and selected guests; access depends on connections and venue staff facilitation. How does Felabration work? A week of nightly Afrobeat performances across the Shrine and partner venues, culminating in the main festival night on Fela's birthday. Book travel and accommodation 6+ weeks ahead.