On 15 October every year, HKW celebrates the life and work of one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century, Fela Kuti. The initiative’s title, A Felasophical Gathering, alludes to the fact that Fela was not only a musician, but also an activist, political being, and philosopher. The annual gathering brings together musicians, scholars, activists, storytellers, and other co-voyagers of Fela Kuti to unpack the Fela curriculum.

20:30–22:00
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Concert, Miriam Makeba Auditorium

The inaugural act in 2024 features Seun Kuti—the musician and bandleader known for his unwavering dedication to Afrobeat and social activism. As the youngest son of the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Seun assumed leadership of Egypt 80, his father’s band, at just 14 years old following Fela’s sudden passing in 1997.

He had joined the band as a developing saxophonist and percussionist before the age of 12, showcasing his early immersion in his musical heritage. Since taking the helm of Egypt 80, Seun has preserved Fela’s musical legacy and potentialized its political dimension. He has revived the Movement of the People (M.O.P.), his father's political party, seeking to advance Fela's vision despite its suppression by the military government.

Throughout his career, Seun Kuti has been an outspoken advocate for pan-African causes and social justice. He has actively participated in movements such as #OccupyNigeria and #EndSARS, leveraging his platform to protest against police brutality and champion the rights of marginalized communities in Nigeria.

After several critically acclaimed albums with Egypt 80, including Many Things (2008), From Africa with Fury: Rise (2011), A Long Way to the Beginning (2014), Black Times (2018), and the remix EP African Dreams (2022) featuring Black Thought of The Roots, his 2024 album, Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), executively produced by Lenny Kravitz and Fela Kuti’s original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, promises to be a groundbreaking addition to his discography. With guest appearances by Damian Marley and Sampa The Great, the album aims to redefine contemporary music while remaining true to the spirit of Afrobeat.

19:00–20:00
The Berlin Afrobeat Company
Directed by Ekowmania
Featuring members of Sonic Interventions
Concert, Miriam Makeba Auditorium

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s concert is preceded by a  performance by The Berlin Afrobeat Company (BAC), a direct legacy of Fela Kuti & Africa 70’s legendary show in 1978 in West Berlin, after which most of the key members decided to stay in the city. The BAC is formed by an international constellation of musicians based in the city committed to the contemporary celebration of Fela Kuti's music through live shows and various initiatives. It is led by Ekow Alabi Savage, who saw Fela for the first time as a child in 1969 in Ghana and became a close collaborator with Fela’s celebrated drummer Tony Allen. Ekow went on to form the band Rhythm Taxi with guitar player Oghene Kologbo and percussionist Nicolas Addo-Nettey, regarded as one of the leading authorities on Afrobeat drumming worldwide. Gathered around Ekow are a core of other veterans, including current and former members of the bands of Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, Orlando Julius, and the Polyversal Souls.