A new exhibition exploring the influence of Nigerian music legend, activist and originator of Afrobeat, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, has opened at the Wilberforce House Museum.
The Underground Spiritual Game is a visual storytelling exhibition exploring Fela Kuti’s global influence through photography, art and archival material. The exhibition features works by Nigerian artist Abolore Sobayo, including masks from his acclaimed Echoes collection.
Developed with support from Hull Museums and in partnership with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective, led by Stella Munthali, the exhibition builds on earlier collaborations such as the Echoes of Our Heritage exhibition and the 2024 Black History Month ‘Sound of Our Skin’ Festival.
The Underground Spiritual Game exhibition can be seen on display at Wilberforce House until Sunday 2 November. The museum is open 10am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday, entry is free.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective.
“The Underground Spiritual Game’ is a fantastic example of how collaboration can bring global stories to the city, connecting our local community with worldwide cultural heritage.”
Alongside the exhibition, Hull will once again host the Felabration festival. Founded by Yeni Kuti in Lagos, Felabration is an annual international festival honouring the life and legacy of Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti. Today, it is celebrated in more than a dozen cities around the world, continuing Fela’s message of unity, creativity and resistance through art and music.
This year’s theme — “Shakara: Bold Expressions of Afrobeat” — marks the 25th anniversary of the global Felabration festival. Hull’s edition takes place on Saturday (18 October) and is curated by The Gidi Vibes™ and Morpheus Multimedia. It will bring together artists, musicians, cultural leaders and community voices across three major venues in Hull: Wilberforce House Museum, Ferens Art Gallery and Princes Quay Event Space.
For Fágbèmí Ọ̀ ṣìnúgà, founder of The Gidi Vibes™ and member of the Hull Music Board, hosting Felabration as part of Hull’s Black History Month is deeply symbolic. He said: “Felabration is more than a festival — it’s a bridge between Africa and the diaspora, a creative act of remembrance and renewal. Bringing it to Hull — the home of William Wilberforce — makes it profoundly symbolic. Fela used his music to free the mind, Wilberforce fought to free the body. Both challenged oppression in their own time.”
Find out more information about Felabration here.
