Born in Nigeria in the late 1960s, Afrobeat was Fela Kuti’s answer to political tension, colonial echoes, and the need to reshape African identity. What started as a mix of jazz, highlife, funk, and Yoruba rhythms quickly became a powerful voice of protest.
Today, Afrobeat is global. You’ll hear traces of it in Berlin clubs and on Beyoncé’s albums. But its spirit still lives in Nigeria in the streets of Lagos, in underground music spots, at the New Afrika Shrine, and in the homes of those who carry the sound forward.
This Afrobeat travel guide helps you experience the music at its roots, from where to find the most authentic sound, to how to join Felabration, and why Heritage Trails Nigeria is the right guide for a culture-led music journey.
Afrobeat isn’t just Nigerian, it’s deeply Lagosian. Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic was based in Ikeja, where his home, studio, and activism centre created the foundation of a global sound.
Today, Lagos remains the city where Afrobeat breathes loudest. Key places to explore include:
Heritage Trails Nigeria curates Afrobeat Night Tours with exclusive access to these locations, offering behind-the-scenes stories, guided walks through Fela-inspired landmarks, and dinner at heritage-themed restaurants.
Held every October, Felabration is Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat festival and more than just a concert. It’s a full-blown cultural celebration of Fela Kuti’s life, legacy, and music.
Tip: Plan early. Ikeja hotels get booked months in advance, and VIP access is limited. Heritage Trails Nigeria offers complete packages, including airport pickup, hotel reservations, and festival credentials, so you can skip the logistics and dive straight into the experience.
READ MORE:
Afrobeat is more than a sound; it’s now a subject of study. Nigerian institutions and private archives are preserving, digitizing, and teaching Afrobeat as both music and movement.
Places to learn while you explore:
For travellers eager to learn, Heritage Trails Nigeria’s Music & Memory Tour Package includes these educational experiences alongside cultural immersions.
Exploring Nigeria’s music scene can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Heritage Trails Nigeria (HTN) helps you experience Afrobeat with depth, safety, and insider access.
HTN isn’t just about tourism, it’s about connection. You leave not just entertained but enriched, having supported the people who keep Afrobeat alive.
Afrobeat didn’t start as entertainment; it started as a movement. Decades later, it still speaks, resists, and evolves. If you’re ready to experience Afrobeat not just as music but as living history, there’s only one place to start: Nigeria.
And with Heritage Trails Nigeria, you don’t just visit the site, you belong to the story.
Don’t just listen, live the rhythm with these curated Afrobeat-inspired add-ons:
Lagos Music History Tour – Trace the evolution of Nigerian sound from highlife to hip-hop through iconic spots in Surulere, Ikeja, and Lagos Island.
Felabration VIP Experience – Secure backstage access, cultural briefings, and guided passes to Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat festival.
Art & Activism Trail – Visit Afrobeat-inspired street art, cultural centres, and meet artists keeping Fela’s legacy alive.
Kalakuta Immersion – Tour Fela’s home and studio, then enjoy a live performance at the New Afrika Shrine with an HTN cultural host.
Ready to follow the beat? Contact HTN now to book your custom Afrobeat journey.
Heritage Trails Nigeria – Where rhythm meets history.
Afrobeat (no “s”) is Fela Kuti’s genre of instrumental, political, and live performance. Afrobeats (with an “s”) is a modern pop style influenced by Afrobeat, but more commercial and digitally produced.
October for Felabration is ideal. December is also popular due to music festivals during “Detty December.” Live Afrobeat events happen year-round.
Yes, especially with a trusted local operator like Heritage Trails Nigeria. Most venues are secure, and HTN ensures reliable transport and on-ground support.
Absolutely. The Kalakuta Museum is open to the public, and HTN offers immersive guided tours with access to exclusive stories and memorabilia.
Visit heritagetrailsnigeria.com to browse Afrobeat-themed or use this Afrobeat travel guide to plan your experience.
