Ashluxe has released a heartfelt documentary titled The Spirit of Fela in honor of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The film coincides with Ashluxe’s AW24 Kalakuta Republic collection, which celebrates Fela’s rich legacy.
In a landmark partnership between an African fashion label and Fela’s estate, the documentary features intimate interviews with his children, Yeni and Kunle Kuti, and prominent cultural figures like artist Nike Davies-Okundaye and designer Mai Atafo. It provides a deeper look into Fela’s influence on art, fashion, and activism, through the lens of those closest to him.
In the documentary, the audience is taken on a journey to explore the life and times of Fela Kuti, who revolutionized music and fought against corruption in Nigeria. Fela’s vision of the Kalakuta Republic was not just a communal space but a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and resistance against oppressive forces. The documentary highlights how these ideals still resonate today in modern Afrobeat and African fashion, which Ashluxe has carefully woven into its collection.
Contributions from individuals who lived alongside Fela, like Dede Mabiaku and album cover artist Lemi Ghariokwu, bring the narrative alive, offering first-hand accounts of Fela’s revolutionary spirit. As a result, The Spirit of Fela not only pays homage to a music icon but also reinforces how his legacy continues to inspire new generations in art, fashion, and beyond.
Watch Documentary here.