Sunday 15th Dec: FELABRATION 2013

Here are photos from last night's FELABRATION 2013 gig,  in celebration of the album release for "RED, HOT & FELA", honouring Fela Kuti's 75th Birthday & Life.  THE DELE SOSIMI AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA kept the tunes going all night whilst special guests took it in turn to take stage for lead vocals inc. SHINGAI SHONIWA ( of The Noisettes ), BALOJI, OLUGBENGA ( Metronomy ), BLAK TWANG and ESKA accompanied by the GOLDSMITH VOCAL ENSEMBLE.  It was an awesome experience to be able to listen and dance to the tracks I know but never had a chance to see live - with the crescendo of everyone of stage for the closing number "Water No Get Enemy".   Here is the beautiful Eska with her Fela inspired makeup for the evening, and Shingai who looked like a radiant queen in a gold beaded onesie and hair adornment.   The energy on stage was infectious and easy to see how the original band would have played ALL night………….. if only we could step back in time and take part in that party!  To see what I mean, watch this documentary on the Fela story …… here.