The musical Broadway sensation Fela! is the hottest ticket in New York City streets; as this one of a kind dancing extravaganza pays homage to the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. As one enters the doors of the Eugene O’Neill Theater you are leaving the environment of tall New York City skyscraper buildings for about three hours and entering into the famous Shrine.
Fela
This Lagos nightclub on a New York City Stage is filled with authentic African décor, beautiful men and woman dancing to the Afro-beat rhythms and the spirit of the ancestors. As an audience member you are immediately pulled in and engaged by the star of the show, Sahr Ngaujah, a first generation Sierra Leonean who plays Fela Kuti on most shows. His stellar one-man band performance accompanied by the dynamic choreography of his dancers educates, enlightens and highlights poignant periods of Fela’s life as a legendary artist, revolutionary and political activist.
Fela is recognized as a hero to many although in western culture the genre of Afro-beat music has never become mainstream. His political activism through his music remains unknown to the general American public. Since the star-studded grand opening on Monday, November 23rd of this African masterpiece, many theater critics have given unfavorable reviews as a result of expecting more of a detailed biopic storyline of the true essence of Fela’s life. Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and, as I watched the audience shake their hips, dance in their seats and chant with the music, the true critics have spoken and the hard work of Tony Award winner director/choreographer Bill T. Jones, and producers Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith has paid off. This show is simply powerful and an honor to African music. Welcome na de Shrine and to Fela’s legacy.