Boxing Day@ Bogobiri -Kuti No Show

The day after Christmas designated as "Boxing Day" in Great Britain and its former colonies seems to basically be an extension of Christmas Day celebrations, which is fine with me. While in Lagos, we took the opportunity to try and do some more shopping, only to find many stores closed.  The night before, we made our way to Bogobiri House in search of live music on the recommendation of the"voice" at the Federal Casino. 


Bogobiri is an amazing work of art in its own right as well as being a gallery for Nigerian artists. It's a hotel with uniquely appointed rooms, a gallery, there is a restaurant and its a venue for live music. We were excited to learn that Seun Kuti, the oldest son of the pioneer of Afrobeat music, Fela Kuti was schedule to appear at Bogo on Boxing Day.  

Mosaic in bath @ Bogobiri

Tickets were not available, but Ife, who gave us a tour of the rooms, promised to make arrangements for us to get tickets and good seating at the venue.  What a blessing! Going to The Shrine, Kuti's place, was on our list of things to do. Our driver had advised us that it was about an hour drive from our hotel in VI (if there was no 'go slow') and that we should be prepared to be out all night!  But, we were told, s Seun performs just like his father!

The call came--arrive early--7pm (which was when the show was scheduled to begin) and we could get tickets and seats.  We did, and were basically the first guest to arrive, purchased our tickets and spent some time in the gift shop before grabbing a table to the side of the bandstand opposite a row of table marked "reserved".  We ordered appetizers and drinks, chatted with the waiter and other guests as they arrived.


Around 8:45 it was announced that Seun had just called to say that a family matter had come up, he would not perform that night and wanted to reschedule for the 31st.  Though we enjoyed the band that performed--what a disappointment!