The Africa Centre is hosting a multi-dimensional exhibition which tells the story of the fuji music genre – one of the most important in Nigeria’s history and without whom the Afrobeats’ artists who top the charts today (such as Burna Boy and Wizkid) would not be selling out stadiums across the world.
The exhibition’s launch was opened with speeches from Nigerian diplomats, Nigerian royalty, politicians who had flown in from West Africa for one night only before jetting back to continue their campaign for electrion, and Bobo Omotayo, the founder of FUJI: A Opera.
Spread over four floors the exhibition takes the visiter from Fuji’s foundations in the 1960s to the present day. Through archive footage, and memorabilia its history can be followed with images of the genre’s pioneers’ album covers, several stage outfits worn by those early Fuji musicians, and soundscapes of the folk music that were the roots of Fuji. Also on show will be rare instruments that are integral to the music and its story.
Bobo Omotayo gave an emotional, heartfelt speech that showed his appreciation of all the help he has had, and for all the VIPs who have supported his mission to tell the world about Fuji music, and who have joined him on this incredible journey.
Tickets for FUJI: A Opera are on sale NOW from www.fujiopera.com
The Africa Centre, 66-68 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL until 28th August 2023.
Tickets priced from £6.99. Times: Tues – Sat, 10am – 6pm; Sun: 10am – 4pm
