Since hitting the New York stage in 2008, "Fela!" the Musical has been wowing audiences both in the U.S. and where I caught it, in London's West End. Conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel, this production keeps you tapping your feet and jigging on your seat the entire time.
Set in The Afrika Shrine, Lagos, the musical features Sahr Ngaujah and Adesola Osakalumi in the role of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti The narrative follows his struggles with the government and his torment at the decision as to whether or not to leave Nigeria. His feminist mother, Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, who was murdered by the military, features as a major spiritual influence within the play. We have an important role, playing the audience that would have attended his last ever performance at "The Shrine."
Afrobeat
Afrobeat is the music Fela Kuti created, combining Yoruba music, highlife, jazz, funk and Cuban rhythms. It became popular in the 1970s. Throughout the production, we are treated to a feast of his musical creations. The women dancing on stage leave you wondering how hips can possibly gyrate to such degrees and with such amazingly swift oscillations. Of course, envy set in and I certainly wished to have these abilities and agility. Fela's character encourages the audience to try some moves, citing "if you don't use it, you lose it."
The cast give stellar performances and their vocals are all first class. Fela Kuti has a rugged Yoruba style singing voice and he sings about a range of anti-government grudges. He also uses his songs to express his philosophical views on life. His lyrics sometimes leave me grinning with amusement or nodding fiercely in agreement. "I no be gentleman at all, I no be gentleman at all o, I be African man original!" Gentleman 1973, Fela Kuti.
Fela's Inspiration
Fela! takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions from cheeky fun to tear jerking sadness. The play reveals how his music was formed and some of his major influences, such as his love affair with Sandra Izsadore, an African American connected to The Black Panther Party of the late '60s. This relationship played a major part in his ideas for messages within his music. From the plot, you learn of his love of women and his polygamous relationships and he tells of his preference for traditional African religions rather than major organized faiths, despite his father being a member of the clergy.
His political activism lands him in jail several times but this does not deter him from forming his own party and running for president. This production doesn't cover his death in 1997 from an AIDS related illness.
Hollywood 'A List' Connections
This is a lively, energetic and inspiring musical with famous names in the executive production team, such as Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. It has won multiple Tony Awards for its appearances on Broadway. Whether you're a long-time Fela Kuti fan or learning about him for the first time, you will enjoy the great music, brilliant dancing and vibrant visuals.
Source
Elsie Ofori - Elsie Ofori graduated from London Metropolitan University in 1999. Prior to freelance writing, she taught English in an adult college.
Join the Conversation