The influence of Nigerian music legend, activist and originator of Afrobeat, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, has been honoured at the Wilberforce House Museum in Hull.
The exhibition is called ‘The Underground Spiritual Game’ and explores Fela Kuti’s influence through photography, art and archival material.
It was developed with support from Hull Museums and in partnership with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective.
“The Underground Spiritual Game’ is a fantastic example of how collaboration can bring global stories to the city, connecting our local community with worldwide cultural heritage.”
Hull will also be hosting the Felabration festival alongside the exhibition, which is an annual festival honouring the life of Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti.
Not an Anarchist: The True Vision of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
— edmund obilo (@eobilo) September 29, 2025
Prof. Sola Olorunyomi, author of Afrobeat: Fela and the Imagined Continent, offers a fresh perspective on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s political vision. Far from being an anarchist, Fela is portrayed as a radical humanist who… pic.twitter.com/ezh91XlZ7Z
It’s celebrated in more than a dozen cities around the world, and continues Fela’s message of unity and creativity through art and music.
This years festival theme is “Shakara: Bold Expressions of Afrobeat”, and marks the 25th anniversary of ‘Felebration’.
For Fágbèmí Ọ̀ ṣìnúgà, founder of The Gidi Vibes™ and member of the Hull Music Board, hosting Felabration as part of Hull’s Black History Month is deeply symbolic.
He said: “Felabration is more than a festival, it’s a bridge between Africa and the diaspora, a creative act of remembrance and renewal.
“Bringing it to Hull, the home of William Wilberforce, makes it profoundly symbolic. Fela used his music to free the mind, Wilberforce fought to free the body. Both challenged oppression in their own time.”
It will take place on Saturday 18 October and is curated by The Gidi Vibes™ and Morpheus Multimedia, bringing together musicians and community voices.
The festival will take place across three venues in Hull; Wilberforce House Museum, Ferens Art Gallery and Princes Quay Event Space.
The Underground Spiritual Game exhibition can be seen on display at Wilberforce House until Sunday 2 November.