was Nigerian composer & master of many instruments;
he was a pioneer of Afrobeat music;
he simultaneously served as a political maverick & human rights activist.
Fela! The Musical seemed more like a tribute concert than a musical that relays the story of Fela’s life through his music. The music was great. I was not all that familiar with Fela’s music before seeing the musical, but I have been listening to it since…the portrayal was very authentic his amazing, original sound. I just wish the story had been more clearly articulated; while the music couldn’t be better, the storyline couldn’t be more muddy & muddled. This was especially disappointing because Fela’s story is so interesting & peppered with personal, political, & historic plot points. This musical had the music but lacked the book. My favorite moment was Zombies, which was the most politically-charged & relevant moment of the show.
P.S. Fela! was produced by Jay-Z and Will & Jada Smith. I like it.
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