I wish I could have blogged in real time when I went to Nigeria to participate in “Felabration” last October however Internet issues wouldn’t allow. Here is a brief recap in pictures. It was a fun trip!

Before we left Accra:

Upon arrival in Lagos I met Femi and Yeni Anikulapo Kuti, children of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

After this meeting I was whisked off to the hotel to get some rest for the following day.
Next day at sound check at the shrine:

And then later that night:

Here I am backstage with Wanlov:

..and Nneka:

The next show was held at Freedom park on Victoria island and I have to say that was my favorite show:

These last two images were captured by Logor, a truly talented photographer whom I sat and had a chat with for about twenty minutes before the show. He seemed truly passionate about what he does and it shows!

After all the concerts I had a day off for a little sightseeing. Ummu, my assistant for this trip, took me into a Hausa community where I got a sneak peek into the lives of the people who live there. I also got me some awesome Henna tattoos:

When I look at these beautiful designs I think of the women who surrounded me with love and gave me this gift in ‪Nigeria‬. I remember the beautiful young artist, made to cover herself, not daring to look into my eyes or have a full conversation with me because I am not one of “them”. When she did look at me and smile, I felt her pain and I understood that her art is a huge outlet for her. I think of the ones who rushed over to have a peep at me. They rushed back into their rooms before it was found out that they had actually ventured to go outside. Then I think of the mother of a newborn, who came and handed her 10 day old baby girl to me as if to say, “please bless her and give her your vibes.” It was almost as if she hoped for a different destiny for this baby girl. I couldn’t take pictures with them but their faces are drawn on the canvass of my mind. When I look at these drawings I see the hopes and dreams that may never materialise. These are the souvenirs I brought back from Nigeria. ‪‬