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.

“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.