Outrage as Korra Obidi’s Dance Tribute at Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Grave Sparks Debate
Korra Obidi Dance Tribute to Anikulapo
Outrage as Korra Obidi’s Dance Tribute at Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Grave Sparks Debate
The entertainment world has been thrown into a heated discussion after Korra Obidi visited the grave of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and performed a dance including twerking as a tribute to the late musician. The video was shared on her Instagram page over the weekend, sparking both praise and outrage across social media.
Korra justified the tribute saying it was in the spirit of Fela’s love for energetic performances: “We all know that one thing Fela loved was a woman with gyrating hips, so I decided to pay Baba a homage … I decided to shake my ny@sh for Baba.” She added that during the visit she was accompanied by Seun Kuti Fela’s son who reportedly “appreciated” the gesture.
Mixed Reactions
Some onlookers applauded the bold and unconventional homage. Supporters argued that the dance captured the vivacious spirit and flamboyance associated with Fela’s life and music.
Others, however, condemned the act as disrespectful. Critics argued that dancing especially twerking at a gravesite crosses the line between tribute and irreverence, failing to respect cultural sensibilities and the sanctity of a resting place.
Cultural Context and Legacy
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti remains an iconic figure in African music known for activism, bold artistry, and a lifestyle that challenged convention. Supporters of Korra say that her act reflects Fela’s rebellious, larger-than-life persona and love for dance and freedom of expression.
But the controversy highlights a tension many feel: between modern, bold tributes and traditional standards of respect for the dead. As one critic tweeted: “Twerking on Fela’s grave is wild behavior. Respect for legends no dey again?” Whether Korra’s dance will be remembered as a daring salute or an ill-judged move remains contested but one thing is clear: the moment has reignited discussion about how we honour our icons and balance creativity with cultural reverence.
