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fela-kuti — Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Photo: nigeriafilms.com

On the heels of the successful worldwide Broadway production FELA!—on the life of late Nigerian Afro beat Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, his residence at Gbemisola street, Ikeja, popularly known as Kalakuta Republic, is set to become a museum. With the generous support of the Lagos State government, the mega project will also have an exhibition area, a souvenir shop, a coffee shop, a 5-room boutique hotel, a tomb area – where people will see where the late musician was buried – a roof top restaurant, a bar and stage, and a car park. Yeni Kuti, the eldest daughter of Fela announced this on behalf of the family at the recent press conference on this year’s Felabration—the annual musical festival celebrating Fela’s life and his birthday on October 15. She said that the sum of 58 million Naira was proposed for the completion of “Kalakuta Museum” but the Lagos State government approved the sum of 40 million Naira. The Museum is aimed at promoting tourism and preserving Fela’s history. As part of the Lagos State Mega City initiative, the museum will display collectors’ and historical items and authentic materials on Fela, which will attract foreigners, researchers,and fun lovers alike. It is set to be recognised as a credible African cultural and historical institution of knowledge and entertainment. The “Kalakuta Museum” is managed by Total Consult, a firm of architects and builders and is marketed by Inspiro Productions Ltd, integrated marketing, media and entertainment management consultants. Fela Kuti was born sometime in the 1930s and he died in 1997. The museum is scheduled for opening in October 2012, in time for the commencement of Felabrations.