MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, STV, AIT) is to put its musical muscle and dedicated fan base behind FELA!, the award-winning tale of courage, passion and love that pays tribute to inspirational Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The triumphant story, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, comes to Lagos’ New Expo Centre from 20-25 April 2011.
FELA! has been a huge Broadway and West End hit. Produced by Jay Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, FELA! tells the true story of the star whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, Fela devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “Fela was a true legend of African music who was also recognised in the Legend category at the 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards. MTV Base is very proud to be associated with the home-coming of FELA!”
MTV Base will be promoting FELA! extensively on its broadcast and social media platforms, encouraging fans to go and witness the musical spectacle, which features the original Broadway cast including Sahr Ngaujah as Fela and Lillias White as his mother, Funmilayo.
Reviewing FELA!, Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote, “There should be dancing in the streets. The hot (and seriously 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 Broadway like this production.” David Cote of Time Out New York, in giving it 5 out of 5 stars enthused, “FELA! is more than a musical; it’s an ecstatic phenomenon.”
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