Lagos restaurants are serving up Fela Kuti’s revolutionary spirit alongside Afrobeat-inspired dishes, transforming the late musician’s protest anthems into edible cultural experiences. At venues like The Afrobeat and Kuti’s Bistro, diners can order dishes named after Fela’s classics like “Expensive Shit” and “Roforofo Fight,” while immersed in the sounds that defined an era. This culinary movement raises intriguing questions: Does turning radical songs into menu items risk diluting their political edge, or does it spark curiosity in younger audiences who might rediscover Fela’s music? While some may see commercialization, others recognize an innovative way to engage new generations with Africa’s musical heritage. Like Fela’s legendary Afrika Shrine, these spaces create vibrant hubs where art, politics, and tradition intersect—proving his influence remains as nourishing to Nigerian culture today as it was disruptive decades ago.
The Conversation
