Fela! opens

Here is the massive stage set for the Fela! Musical, as under construction at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel in Lagos last week. The cast also met with the press at a briefing where Iris Wilson (with Fela poster behind her in the photograph above) who plays Fela's wife Najite, brought tears to the eyes with her poetic, soulful words about being in Africa for the first time; and getting to play Najite because everyone including Carlos Moore said she looked like the woman. Maija Garcia the show's choreographer (also above) had a lot to say too and the fella with all the mics in his face is Sahr Ngaujah, who plays Fela.

Tonight is opening night. The show's on till April 25.

Photos by MW

Fela! crew arrives Lagos

What a difference Broadband makes. Wordsbody's enabled and back in the groove - apologies for the long absence. Here are images of the 50-strong crew of Fela The Musical! arriving at Murtala Muhammed Airport. Fela! in Lagos is at Eko Hotel Expo Hall next week, from April 20 to 25.

Photos: Inspiro Productions

Fela! in Lagos at last

Fela! The Musical is finally coming home. The hit Broadway musical about the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was a critical and commercial success in New York and later London, where it was sold-out for three months and got nominated for three Olivier Awards (having won 3 Tonys in the US).

Many have asked whether the world conquering show about one of Africa’s most potent icons should not have been staged where it matters most, in his country, Nigeria. Now the heavens are aligning to bring the show to the scene of Fela’s exploits, Lagos.

Fela! The Musical will be staged at the New Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel in Lagos from April 20 to 25.

This from the organisers: “The aim of FELA! in Lagos is to unite and connect Africans in spirit and unity, to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria, and to celebrate Fela Kuti, for the contribution he has made to Nigeria and the world. FELA! depicts the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro beat rhythms ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation. It is a tale of courage, passion and love featuring Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones. FELA! in Lagos is being produced by a Nigerian production company, Broken Shackles in conjunction with Lagos State Government.”

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  More info about Fela! In Lagos
  Images: Broken Shackles