French President ‘worships’ at legendary Fela Kuti’s shrine in Nigeria [Photos]

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. pic.twitter.com/u77v7tiEKx

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 3, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/HqFxmJn0c1

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 4, 2018

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!

Very touched, congratulations to this young boy! pic.twitter.com/hQd3ylxGnV

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 3, 2018

PRESIDENT MACRON, GOVERNOR AMBODE AND CO APPRECIATING THE AFRO BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE BY @femiakuti AND THE POSITIVE FORCE

A post shared by Afrika Shrine (@afrikashrine) on Jul 3, 2018 at 4:10pm PDT

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?

Let’s rate President Macron’s @emmanuelmacron Shaku shaku and ????I think he did very well for a first timer ???? PS. It took me months to learn shakushaku dance and I am still a learner .sigh #tracetv #africa #lagos #felashrine

A post shared by Yemi Alade (@yemialade) on Jul 3, 2018 at 5:06pm PDT