Gentleman's Nigerian Tour

The "Shrine" in Lagos was founded by Afrobeat originator Fela Kuti. After Nigeria's military government destroyed it in the 1970s, it was rebuilt. Not many international artists have the honor of performing here, but the German reggae musician Gentleman is now among them. On Sunday (23.02.2014), he shared the stage with Fela Kuti's son, Femi.

"It's really an incredible feeling: First everyone was sitting, but then they came right up to the stage and started singing along with my lyrics," Gentleman said. Although jazz-inflected Afrobeat differs quite a bit from reggae and its catchy riffs, both genres have roots in Africa - and quite often, they make clear political statements.

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti wasn't just an artist. He was well-known as a political activist. The fight for freedom and social inequality in Nigeria came to dominate his lyrics. In the early 80s, the military government put him in jail for 18 months, but the authorities couldn't quell his constantly rising popularity.

Fela Kuti remains controversial into the present - he repeatedly agitated friends and foes alike with his eccentric behavior. He was known for drug excesses and married 27 women on a single day in a mass ceremony. His lyrics contain numerous passages that critics consider sexist and homophobic.

Fela Kuti's son Femi and other family members are carrying on the musician's legacy. In 2000, they expanded the New Afrika Shrine. But Femi says his views differ from his father on many points: "Some perspectives just change over time." It was also Femi Kuti's idea to secure a guest performance from Gentleman.

One thing remains unchanged. For Nigerians, the Shrine is much more than just a place to make music. It stands for a certain attitude towards life. And Afrobeat continues to operate as a political force that government officials aren't always comfortable with.

Traditional Hausa music, Afro-juju, Waka, Yoruba rap - the music shop Jazzhole leaves no doubt that Nigeria's scene has much more on offer than just Afrobeat. Gentleman stopped by after his concert at the Shrine, calling it one of the most impressive record stores he'd ever been to.

Shop owner Tundun Teyuoso and her husband Ola Kunle have run Jazzhole for 25 years together, and she was happy to welcome Gentleman. The couple try to reflect the diversity of African music in their collection, and they even have their German guest's music on offer. After all, Teyuoso says, it's not about the performer's nationality or skin color, but about the music he or she makes.