Pubdate: Tue, 04 Jan 2005
Source: This Day (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2005 This Day.
Contact:  http://www.thisdayonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2870
Author: Sony Neme
Note: Igbo and indian hemp are local terms for cannabis in Nigeria
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

FEMI KUTI BANS IGBO IN SHRINE

LAGOS -- Femi Kuti's New African Shrine is repositioning to meet with the 
challenges of year 2005. Towards this end, the management has banned the 
consumption of Indian hemp in and around the arena. The ban, which came 
into effect, recently saw Femi practically chasing deviants away from 
Afrobeat's new home. Regulars who came to buy the 'hard stuff' were forced 
to beat a quick retreat.

Before now the law only forbids the sale inside the shrine. So while it was 
sold outside, it was freely smoked in and around the shrine vicinity. But 
with the new law smokers have to look out for another place to do their thing.

THISDAY checks revealed that Femi's action is informed by his determination 
to reposition the entertainment venue. A source disclosed that Femi is 
determined to raise the venue's standard to the level that it would begin 
to attract celebrities and other levels of audiences to begin to feel 
comfortable at shrine.

"Femi believes that the repositioning move would enable him to properly get 
his message on social change to the appropriate quarters," the source said.

However, shrine regulars are beginning to comment on the latest 
development. For many, Femi must be out of his mind. Some could not just 
understand how the multiple-awards winning Afrobeat protege hopes to 
separate 'igbo' from Afrobeat. Still, a section of the industry expresses 
that Femi has taken an encouraging step that would truly position African 
Shrine. This section of the industry argued that the new Afrikan Shrine 
should be a real fun place of unfettered fun for all classes of music lovers.

It will be recalled that Femi had some years back decreed the same rule at 
the Kalakuta Republic, late Fela Anikulapo's residence. Though the action 
was vehemently criticised by a section of the industry then, it has in no 
little way helped in bringing sanity to the home of the revered Afrobeat 
creator. That has completely erased the usual rowdy and unkempt atmosphere 
in the environment. Tourists, visitors now feel comfortable in the 
environment of where the remains of the musical legend in a tomb in front 
of the famous 'Kalakuta Republic'.

Ever since his father's death, Femi has continued to carry the Afrobeat 
touch. He has through his music proved that this generation can hold their 
own if they remain focused.

Another interesting development around the African Shrine is in the area of 
media relations. Before now, the relationship existing the management of, 
especially Femi and the media have been marked with suspicion. However, 
THIS DAY checks revealed that the management of the shrine is set to work 
closely with the media in the years ahead.
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