Friday, April 15, 2011
Broadway's 'Fela!' Cast Performs for Nigerian Fans
Backstage: "The Broadway cast of 'Fela' introduced Afrobeat superstar Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to hundreds of thousands of new American fans. Now the show's stars are facing their toughest critics yet: Nigerians in this megacity who know his lyrics by heart and consider him a national icon.
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I'm so thrilled to hear that this performance was able to happen. I know that at one point, Femi Kuti (Fela's son) was adamant that he would not see the show until it was performed in Lagos. Ultimately he did see the show in New York, and his desire to bring it to Nigeria only grew stronger. I am glad to hear that the show was so well-received by Fela's own true fans, in the Shrine where the story took place (so to speak-this current Shrine is one built by Fela's sons after the original was destroyed). The show made me a huge fan of Kuti's music and political drive, and I'm glad Nigeria was able to hear that message yet again.
This sounds amazing. Fela is so much about patriotism and the love of Nigeria and experience that in the country would be fantastic. Also for people who knew Fela or have more of a background about him I can only imagine what that must have been like. I saw this filmed for London, and I could feel the energy and excitement that came along with it even though it was filmed, I can't even conceive what it would be like in the country Fela came from in front of a live audience. I do feel that it would be strange to have people who are not from your country standing on stage telling you about your most beloved public figure.
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