Fela! Great clip. The legend, the giant, the more militant-"Bob Marley of Nigeria". I wonder if that Broadway hit captured his essence? Did they water down the story at all?
This guy took no shit from ANYone, and paid the price. The Nigerian thugs (military) raided his Kalakuta Republic compound. Raped his wives, threw his mother off a balcony, burned the place..took him to jail and beat him senseless. But Fela stood tall!! Never backed down from his criticisms of the injustice in Nigeria..
Recommended tracks for the Afro-Beat beginner: "Kalakuta Show", "Zombie"
I remember when he died, it was about the same time as "Princess" Diana. I was outraged he didn't get the media respect! But look now, a whole generation reveres Fela Kuti, while Diana is rightfully forgotten. RIP Fela Anikulapo Kuti!
[1] Didn't see the Broadway show, but it was Bill T. Jones's baby so I doubt it would be "watered down". Plus it was Antibalas playing the music. They're top notch. I did hear the show was a bit unfocused and self indulgent. But's that's par for the course with Bill T. Jones. He's basically the Reggie Jackson of modern dance.
Fela! Great clip. The legend, the giant, the more militant-"Bob Marley of Nigeria". I wonder if that Broadway hit captured his essence? Did they water down the story at all?
This guy took no shit from ANYone, and paid the price. The Nigerian thugs (military) raided his Kalakuta Republic compound. Raped his wives, threw his mother off a balcony, burned the place..took him to jail and beat him senseless. But Fela stood tall!! Never backed down from his criticisms of the injustice in Nigeria..
Recommended tracks for the Afro-Beat beginner: "Kalakuta Show", "Zombie"
I remember when he died, it was about the same time as "Princess" Diana. I was outraged he didn't get the media respect! But look now, a whole generation reveres Fela Kuti, while Diana is rightfully forgotten. RIP Fela Anikulapo Kuti!
1) Never saw the show. He was a master. Grand Master for sure.
[0] Very nice. Smooth.
Will check out that site.
[1] Didn't see the Broadway show, but it was Bill T. Jones's baby so I doubt it would be "watered down". Plus it was Antibalas playing the music. They're top notch. I did hear the show was a bit unfocused and self indulgent. But's that's par for the course with Bill T. Jones. He's basically the Reggie Jackson of modern dance.
[3] Ah, didn't know the details about the show. I'm sure it's pretty good. And Fela himself was self-indulgent (though super-focused!)