Fela Tickets

Fela! documents the incredible true story of Fela Kuti, a musician from Nigeria who pioneered Afro beat music, and who fought for civil rights and against political corruption in his native country.

Fela was initially going to be a doctor, but decided to be a musician instead, fusing many different styles and the sounds of his native country into what eventually became known as his own distinct and complex style of music, Afrobeat.

The Political Struggles of Fela

Fela first started calling his music Afrobeat in the late sixties, and as his career progressed, his music got more political, much to the chagrin of the Nigerian government, who attacked the commune where Fela lived, destroying his studio, and beating him badly (Fela’s mother was killed during the attack).

But this didn’t quiet Fela or his music, which continued to infuriate the government. Fela also tried to run for President in Nigeria’s first elections in over ten years. When Fela died in 1997, over a million people came to the funeral chanting “Fela will live forever,” and a shrine was built in his honor.

It has been said that hip-hop would not exist without Fela’s music, and he was also described as a combination of James Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Bob Dylan. Eventually Fela’s music was re-released, and several musical shows showcasing his story and life hit the stage (recently a movie from Focus Features about the life of Fela was made for release in 2010).

Fela! was first performed off-Broadway in 2008, and it was a huge success, hitting Broadway the following year, with the help of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jay-Z, and several other producers. The music of Fela has also been provided by Antibalas, a modern nine-piece afrobeat band. Fela! of course also features the incredible legacy of music he left behind, and his musical and political legacy still live on strong.

The Triumph of Fela

The musical Fela! is an incredible explosion of music, color and culture. The website www.felaonbroadway.com notes, “Please be advised that Fela! has loud sound effects, smoke and haze effects and strobe effects. "The Broadway experience can be like sitting with blinders on," the creator of Fela! told Billboard. "This is a show you enjoy as much with your body as with your mind. It's free and communal."

Fela! is presented by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, the first time they’ve produced a Broadway show. Fela! was created by Bill T. Jones. Jones choreographed, wrote the play book for, and directed Fela! Jones created his own dance company, has won a MacArthur Genius Award, a Harlem Renaissance Award, an Obie, and a Tony, among many other honors.

Fela! has been nominated for 11 Tony Awards, and has won three: Best Choreography, Best Costume Design for a Musical, and Best Sound Design for a Musical.