Inspired by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, musician, revolutionary, and outspoken activist, Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion presents three competitive public programmes, inviting Nigerians to engage with Fela’s legacy through movement, words, and ideas.
ÒRÒ ABÀMÌ: WORDS OF REBELLION
This competition invites young poets and spoken word artists to perform original pieces that speak to the spirit of resistance, freedom, and truth at the heart of Fela’s legacy from November 27th to 29th, 2025.
How to Apply
✓ Film yourself performing a 1-2 minute original piece on themes like resistance, identity, freedom, and power.
✓ Write a statement of approximately 150 words max on how your piece engages social commentary.
✓ Upload your entry here: https://bit.ly/oroabami
New Submission Deadline: Nov 5th, 2025
DANCE, FROM FREEDOM
A nationwide call to dancers to express what “freedom” means through movement. Selected dancers will take part in a three-day workshop (Nov 13th through 15th), exploring Afrobeat as culture and resistance, using Fela’s Zombie as a starting point for creation..
How to Apply
✓ Film a 1-2 minute dance video responding to the theme: “Dance, From Freedom,” using Fela’s Zombie as your track
✓ Upload to Instagram or TikTok with #DanceAfrobeat. Tag @afrobeatrebellion and @mudartcompany
✓ Add a caption of 100 words max, explaining how your piece connects to freedom or protest
New Submission Deadline Nov 5th, 2025
MANIFESTO IS THE WEAPON FOR THE FUTURE
This experimental writing workshop explores the manifesto as both a literary object and a material act of resistance. Drawing from Fela’s Movement of the People and his use of newspaper ads as political critique, participants will create manifestos that challenge, provoke, and reimagine the public space.
Through writing, design, and print, the workshop reclaims the manifesto as a living weapon for the future. Slated to hold in two phases in collaboration with Iranti Press and 16 by 16 studio.
Digital Session
Nov 20th – 22nd
In-Person Session
Dec 4th – 6th
How To Apply
✓ Put together your CV/Portfolio and a statement of motivation
✓ Create a research proposal for a manifesto poster responding to the theme: “The social space and role of the manifesto in Africa’s present, past, and future”
✓ Submit your application here: https://bit.ly/abr_manifesto
Deadline: Nov 5th, 2025