The Unofficial Website for Fela Kuti and Afrobeat Music

COMING TO BROADWAY THIS FALL

“A PULSE-RACING show THAT MELTS WALLS with music that gets into your bloodstream, setting off vibrations you’ll live with for days to come.”
(The New York Times) 

“THREATENS TO TEAR THE ROOF OFF!”
(New York Post)

 LUCILLE LORTEL AWARD WINNER OUTSTANDING MUSICAL,
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY AND COSTUME DESIGN!

PREVIEWS BEGIN:         Monday, October 19 th
OFFICIALLY OPENS:     Monday, November 23 rd

FELA!, the critically acclaimed, award-winning revolutionary musical that had audiences on their feet during its world premiere last summer at Off-Broadway’s 37 Arts, bursts onto Broadway this Fall at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th St).  Directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening) and arrangements by Aaron Johnson andAntibalas, audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Using Fela’s pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! explores Kuti's controversial life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.  Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones's imaginative staging, this new show is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater! 

FELA! will feature a multi-cultural cast led by Sahr Ngaujah who returns to the title role after receiving an Obie Award for his performance Off-Broadway.  The world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community perform Kuti’s rousing music live onstage under the direction of Aaron Johnson. 

ABOUT FELA KUTI: Fela Anikulapo Kuti formed his band Koola Lobitos in 1961, and his band became a fixture in London's club scene.  Two years later, Fela returned to Nigeria, restarted the Koola Lobitos, and became influenced by James Brown.  Trying to find an authentic musical voice, he added elements of traditional Yoruba, high life and jazz, and "Afrobeat" was born. His music served as a rallying cry for the disenfranchised, critiquing the military government, and made Fela not only a pop star but thrust him into political life. In 1979, he formed his own political party, MOP (Movement of the People) and ran for president in two elections. Despite this constant harassment he continued to live in Nigeria and flourish.  His death on August 3, 1997 of complications from AIDS deeply affected musicians and fans internationally, as a unique and ineffable musical and sociopolitical voice was lost. His incredible body of work, almost 70 albums, is now available, through public demand, all over the world.  

For more info on FELA!, please visit www.felaonbroadway.com.