Why I visited Fela’s New Afrika Shrine —Macron

Adorning a casual white shirt, with sleeves rolled up, the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Fela’s New Afrika Shrine acknowledging cheers from a large crowd of Nollywood actors, actresses, entertainers and other guests.

Immediately after his arrival, he made his way into Femi’s office and was later seen at the balcony of the night club waving back to scores of admirers who came to catch a glimpse of him.

He was later given the opportunity to address the audience where he justified his decision to visit the Afrika Shrine in Lagos during his visit to Nigeria.

Read also: Nigerian celebs in mad rush for invites to meet Macron at Fela’s Shrine

“First, because I wanted to find a good occasion to come back here. I know the place and I have some memories, I have to confess at a time that there was no President around; I hope I will not spoil the party.

“I think that it’s such an iconic place for a lot of African people and African culture. And I think very often when you speak of the African culture in Europe, those who succeed in Europe and in France, which is different most of the times, are not dramatically very famous in Nigeria or in Africa.”

“There is a bias because you know people are absolutely not the same. 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 is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognise the importance of this place; I recognise the place of culture in this current environment,” he said.

The event hosted by the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode witnessed performances by top Nigerian acts with Macron not also left out as he was given the opportunity to perform with a local drum to astonishment of the crowd.

 

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now