Just after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday, July 3, as part of his two-day official visit to Nigeria, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the famous New Afrika Shrine.
The Shrine is an iconic cultural hub. And I say with a lot of humility that I recognize the importance of African culture.
Founded by legendary musician Fela Kuti, Macron visited the shrine to officially launch the 2020 Season of African Cultures in France.
The highly successful and entertaining event also saw notable public figures as well as popular African musicians including Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’dour, Asa, Femi Kuti and a host of others in attendance.
This is African energy. The one I discovered here in Lagos when I was 23. The one I am glad to see is still thriving several years later. The one I hope many Europeans will get to know. The one that is far from the African prejudice of misery.
From showing off his dancing skills to having a go at playing a drum together with the performers and being highly impressed with a portrait of him which was drawn by a very talented 11-year old artist, we can definitely tell President Macron had a great time!
Take a look at some photos of the event below:
Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO POOL/ Ludovic Marin
Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO POOL/ Ludovic Marin
Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO POOL/ Ludovic Marin
Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO POOL/ Ludovic Marin
Photo Credit: von.gov.ng
Photo via @afrikashrine on Instagram
Photo via Banky W’s Instagram page
From left: Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’dour, Yemi Alade and Asa — Photo via Yemi Alade’s Instagram page
Did he nail the shaku shaku dance though?
