A season of Honour for one deserving it…
Baba Ani, as he is fondly called, is the famous friend and professional sideman of the Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He was leader of the band for 39 years, right from its formative stage as Koola Lobitos in 1965 all through its transformation to Afrika 70 and later Egypt 80. After Fela passed on in 1997, he continued to lead the band for another 19 years mentoring Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, all through his now steady career.

The celebration started Sunday, August 8 with his being featured in the LIVING LEGEND PROJECT in which 12 visual artists of diverse orientations sat him to study him and draw or sculpt him.
Hosted by Didi Museum, the project was coordinated by the Olu Ajayi Studios.
Coordinator of the project, Olu Ajayi, painter, art activist,said:
“This edition of the series, is themed: “Fine Art Interrogating Baba Ani Bass Saxophonist.”, and among the artists featuring, are: Duke Asidere, Tunde Soyinka, Segun Adejumo, Angela Isiuwe, Lekan Onabanjo, Jerry Nnubia, Emmanuel Isiuwe, Omozuapo Angela and Emmanuel Irokanulo, Aladegbogbe, and Jerry Nnubia. The ace photographer, Don Barber will also be on ground to record the moment.
“It is the essence of the man we intend to capture, while interrogating his person and life so far. With this he is being inducted into the Hall of Cultural Icons, which has such other eminent personalities as: the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, the Oba of Benin, the eminent legal practitioners, Chief Mrs Folake Solanke, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among others.”

Full interview here: https://www.naijatimes.ng/lekan-animashaun85-10-day-5-prong-celebration-kicks-off-today-with-live-drawing-in-the-living-legend-series/

Programme Outlines for BABA ANI@85.

1.
Date: AUGUST 8
Time: 2pm
Venue: Didi Museum, VI
Event: Live Drawing of Baba by Artists
Hosts: Olu Ajayi studios
Powered by: Didi Museum, supported by CORA

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2.
Date: AUGUST 11
Time: 11am
Venue: LASU, Iba.
Event: Music workshop and engagement with Music& Theatre students of LASU
Hosts: Dept of Theatre & Music, LASU

NB: The event is to kickstart the idea of the Lekan Animashaun Music Studios & Academy

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3.
Date: AUGUST 15
Time: 5pm
Venue: Freedom Park, Lagos Island
Event: Concert featuring 4 Bands – Egypt 80, The Africanas, Prime Quest, Kalafrika

Hosts: Freedom Park & Culture Advocates Caucus

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4.
Date: AUGUST 18 (Climax of the celebration)
Time: 10am & 2pm
Venue: Lagos Theatre Igando
Even: Symposium & Concert & Reception
Hosts: The Baba Ani@85 Committee & Lagos Theatre Igando

5.
Date: AUGUST 22
Time: 6pm
Venue: Gbedu Music Village, Ayobo

Event: Wrap up Concert in honour of Baba Ani
Hosts: Gbedu Music Village, Ayobo.

Story and images courtesy Jahman Anikulapo