Fela on broadway hits Lagos
The hit Broadway musical which is about the life and music of Nigerian legendary performer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti which has witnessed sold out shows and has won awards and international accolades’, premiered last night in Lagos, making it the first Broadway show to be performed in Sub-Saharan Africa
The screening was exclusively held for the journalists on Wednesday to a resounding ovation at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Isalnd Lagos.
Fela, the Landmark Broadway musical, which won three Awards (Broadway’ highest honor) including Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones), arrived with its cast and crew a fortnight ago, in readiness for the debut performance which flagged off yesterday through 21th of April, at the prestigious Eko Hotel’s New Expo Centre .
It was indeed a breath-taking performance that left only few dry eyes as members of the audience were treated to a memorable night of nostalgia. The memories of the man whom loved to hate was rekindled
The night was a melting point for those who never had the privileged to behold Fela perform at the then famous African Shrine and his die- hard followers who thronged the event venue to see what the Oyibos had turned their hero Fela into.
Were they disappointed No. the lead act, Sahr Ngaujah was at his best as he recreated some of those famous dance steps and larger than life stage act of the man who once claimed to have pocketed death in his pouch.
The focus 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 contributions he made to Nigeria and the world.
Fela depicts the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro-Beat and 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 produced by a Nigerian Production Company, Broken Shackles in conjunction with Lagos State Government.
Fela on Broadway was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Its producers include the entertainment legends Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith.
A spokes woman for Broken Shackles suggests that “with a series of media partners and sponsorships, Fela in Lagos will be the most talked about show in Nigeria for years to come. We have created sponsorship, branding and advertising opportunities for those who wish to be a part of this historic event.”
Upon its Broadway opening, Ben Brantley of the New York Times wrote, “There should be dancing in the streets. The hot (and serious cool) energy that comes from the musical gospel preached by the title character of Fela feels as if it could stretch easily to the borders of Manhattan and then across a river or two. There has never been anything on the Broadway like this production.”
The New York post’s Elisabeth Vincentlli cheered, “ there’s enough energy to short circuit Con Ed.” David Cote of Time Out New York, in giving it 5 star (out of 5) raved. “Fela is more than a musical; it’s an ecstatic phenomenon.” And Jennifer Farrar from the Associated press exclaimed, “ An exuberant celebration!”
In addition to the rave reviews from critics, Fela has also won numerous awards and received standing ovations from such personalities as Mick Jagger, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Spike Lee, Ben Okri, Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, Professor Wole Soyinka, Robert De Niro and Hugh Jackman. First lady Michelle Obama, former UN Secretary General Koffi Annan and President Obama’s Head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano are but three of the dignitaries who have embraced the show.
