The Temple Of Afrobeat(s): Re-Imagination of The New Afrika Shrine

The Shrine, which is recognized as being the first ever Afrobeat Nightclub and home of the genre, has undergone a series of relocations and orientational changes spanning from 1970 till today where it currently sits in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos. The new Afrika Shrine, as it is currently known as, serves as a home for the original Afrobeat genre and a centre for the celebration of the life of Fela Kuti. Unfortunately, due to a negative physical representation through design and common societal misconceptions, The Shrine has become a space associated with hooliganism, loitering and crude behaviour, rather than a place for radically inclined conversation and vibrant performances.  

With reference to the life and vision of Fela Kuti, this thesis is aimed at analyzing and applying the core values that the Afrobeat genre was built on and critically re-imagining the program of the shrine. Subsequently, creating a design scenario for a space that fully exhibits performances, activities and informality that represents the historical and contemporary Nigerian culture. This re-imagination scheme focuses on key elements such as the connection between spirituality and music, enigmatic showcase, education, pan-africanism, community, and Identity, as these influenced the origination and structure of Afrobeat and Afrobeats. In a bid to differentiate between westernization and development in African performance architecture, this design scenario takes influence from traditional methods of performance, which involve a strong connection to nature and an honest incorporation of community and openness.