AWARD-WINNING writer, Chimamanda Adiche, alongside others will speak at this year’s annual Felabration Symposium tagged The FELA Debates. The event which is open to the public comes up on Monday, October 14, 2019, inside the NECA Events Center, Ikeja Central Business District, Alausa Ikeja. And the topic for the symposium is ‘Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense,’ which is the title of one of his hit songs.
She will be sharing the Fela Debates’ stage with law teacher, Prof. Akin Oyebode, British activist, Akala, and Ugandan politician, Bobbi Wine.
Chimamanda was born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria. Kingslee James McLean Daley (born 1 December 1983), better known by the stage name Akala, is a British rapper, journalist, author, activist, poet and political activist.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (born 12 February 1982), known by the stage name Bobi Wine, is a Ugandan politician, businessman, philanthropist, musician, and actor. As of 11 July 2017, he serves as the member of parliament representing Kyaddondo East constituency in Wakiso District, in Uganda’s Central Region.
Until recently, Professor Akin Oyebode was a professor of International Law and Jurisprudence in the University of Lagos. He is the fourth Speaker of the day. The event will be moderated by Award-winning author, Sefi Atta (born January 1964). Atta’s books have been translated into many languages while her radio plays have been broadcast by the BBC, and her stage plays have been performed internationally.
Awards she has received include the 2006 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa and the 2009 Noma Award for Publishing in Africa.
The Fela Debates is a segment of the Felabration Festival designed to intellectualise the FELA ideals and ideas. Over the years, the Symposium has attracted some of the best minds of the Africa Continent. And speakers have included Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibajo Vice President, renowned Kenyan activist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
There will also be contributions from renowned Felaist and activists like Femi Falana (SAN) and journalists Lanre Arogundade and Kunle Ajibade. The event symbolises the kick-off of the Felabration 2019 carnivals with music concerts from 6 pm to 5 am every day for seven days.
