We are proud to announce Felabration UK 2025, taking place in Hull on Saturday, 18th October 2025, as part of Black History Month. Themed “Shakara – Bold Expressions of Afrobeat”, this year marks the 25th anniversary of Felabration, the global festival honouring the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti.
Hull’s edition builds on the city’s growing reputation as a hub for cultural exchange and creativity, strengthened by its dedicated Music City Plan and bid for UNESCO Creative City of Music status. Founder Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà, recently appointed to the Hull Music Board, reflects on its significance:
"Felabration is more than a festival — it’s a bridge between Africa and the diaspora, a celebration of resilience, and an affirmation that African creativity belongs on global stages. Bringing this to Hull, a city with its own history of freedom and struggle through William Wilberforce, makes it even more meaningful."
Building on 2024 Success
Felabration in Hull launched in 2024 with a concert at Network Sheffield October 18th and Closing ceremony and After Party Hull on October 20th, quickly becoming the flagship cultural festival of The Gidi Vibes™ platform. The celebration brought together a sold-out, diverse audience, with highlights including:
- Performances by Bigiano, Segun Lafup, Lekan MC Dutch, Nas B, YINXDJINX, and Sensei Lo.
- Talks and showcases curated by Tolu Olafinihan of G Nation and artist Abolore Sobayo.
- Cultural support and partnerships with Hull Museums and TransferGo, who helped bring Felabration UK to life.
That momentum continues in 2025 as we mark the 25th anniversary of Felabration worldwide.
2025 Programme Highlights
The Underground Spiritual Game Exhibition
Wilberforce House Museum | 1 October – 2 November 2025
An evocative exhibition exploring Fela Kuti’s global impact through photography, art, and archives.
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Opening on 1 October, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence Day and the start of Black History Month.
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Second opening on 18 October, featuring a reading from Moving Music: The Memoirs of Rikki Stein by Fela’s long-time manager.
Thought Leadership Panels & Keynotes
Ferens Art Gallery | 18 October 2025
Panel sessions with Rikki Stein, academics, curators, artists, and cultural leaders.
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Legacy Focus: Fela’s influence on music, arts, media, and fashion.
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City Identity: How music festivals shape city branding and tourism.
Workshops & Cultural Interludes
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Afrobeat Production & DJing with DJ TeckZilla.
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African Drumming & Theatre with Ajide Adeyemi.
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Music interludes are woven into panels, creating an interactive and vibrant experience.
Sauti Sessions Live Concert & Jam Session
PQ Event Space | 18 October 2025, 17:00 – 23:30
- A night of Afrobeat, highlife, and fusion, featuring UK-based and Nigerian performers.
Why Hull?
Hull’s history of freedom through William Wilberforce provides a powerful backdrop to Felabration. The festival both honours African heritage and strengthens Hull’s position as a global city of music and ideas, engaging diaspora communities and the wider public in a celebration of art, music, and cultural identity.
Call for Sponsors & Segment Partners
Felabration is community-led and self-funded. We are actively seeking sponsors and partners — no matter how small — to support:
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Artist travel and engagement.
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Workshops and community outreach.
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Venue and logistics costs.
Your support will be recognised across our programme, press campaigns, and event branding, while aligning your organisation with one of the most significant cultural festivals of the Black diaspora.
"this year marks the 25th anniversary of Felabration, the global festival honouring the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti"
About Felabration
Founded in Nigeria by Yeni Kuti, Felabration is a worldwide festival commemorating the life and legacy of Fela Kuti. Today, it is celebrated in over a dozen countries with concerts, panels, and exhibitions. The Hull edition continues this global tradition while embedding it in the city’s Black History Month programme.
About Morpheus Multimedia
Morpheus Multimedia is a UK-based marketing and cultural production company dedicated to showcasing African creative talent and building bridges between Africa and the diaspora. Through platforms like The Gidi Vibes™, we curate music showcases, exhibitions, and festivals that tell authentic stories and create lasting impact.
Felabration UK 2025 is proudly supported by:
Hull Museums (Wilberforce House, Ferens Art Gallery), PQ Event Space, and our community of partners.
For sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact:
The Convener, Felabration in Hull
+44 7479 188 625 | booking | www.thegidivibes.com
