Fela Kuti's Home Opened as Museum and Hotel

Published Oct 17, 2012

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Fela Kuti thanks to the touring, Tony Award-winning musical Fela! . Now, the Afrobeat pioneer's family has turned his former house into a government-funded museum and hotel.Kalakuta Museum is located in Lagos, Nigeria, in what was Kuti's family home prior to his death in 1997 at age 58 due to an AIDS-related illness. The museum was officially opened on Monday (October 15) despite being not quite finished, since his family wanted to launch it in honour of Kuti's birthday. CBC notes that the museum includes album artwork, photos, murals, art and installations. Among the attractions is Fela's shoe collection, and the man himself is buried on the premises. What's more, the museum additionally functions as a hotel (with a bar) and live venue.Of course, this is hardly the first time Lagos has paid tribute to the music star. The city is currently hosting its 15th annual Felabration , which runs from October 16 to 22.