A LOOK AT FELA’S KALAKUTA IN 70S

In 1977, Bruno Barbey traveled to Nigeria as part of a report aimed at illustrating the country’s extraordinary natural and cultural diversity, as well as its thriving oil economy.

In Lagos, the photojournalist took the opportunity to meet Fela at the Kalakuta Republic. Barbey captured the relaxed and lively atmosphere there, but also the singer’s rich visual universe, populated with vinyl records, family portraits, political posters and photographs of his concerts.

Through unexpected framing, his photographs reveal Kalakuta’s disconcerting energy, as when the lens captures the unreal irruption of Yeni, Fela’s daughter, leaping from a window under the imperturbable gaze of her brother Femi.