French President, Emmanuel Macron arrived at Lagos yesterday evening to the new Afrika Shrine which was Fela’s home and music venue to celebrate Nigerian and African culture.
President Macron was received by Femi Kuti, the first son to the late king of AfroBeat Fela Anikulapo Kuti in company of Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
The President who is believed to be the first president to visit the shrine, used the opportunity to inaugurate the African Cultural Season which will be hosted in France in 2020, showcasing music, fashion, cinema and theatre.
The event, hosted by Banky W and Kenturah King, was tagged ‘Celebration of African Culture’ and witnessed massive turnout of entertainers across the music industry and Nollywoood.
Nollywood stars present includes Ramsey Nouah, Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Yomi Fash Lanso, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Dakore Akande, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Chief Zebrudayya and director Kunle Afolayan.
The French President comment saying:,
“I mean Fela, Femi, Seun Kuti are obviously very famous in France and Europe, I mean they are big successes but the Shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and it is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want 2 say with a lot of humility that I recognize the importance of this place, I recognize the place of culture in this current environment.”
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