FELA! on Broadway—Opening Night! Featuring Jay-Z, Questlove and Spike Lee

[everagej]

Couldn't find a person from the Motherland--Nigeria to oversea the choreography and musicianship of the show.  HELL NO I WILL NOT SEE IT OR SUPPORT IT!!

[everagej]

Sorry, have a problem with a non-African doing the damn choreography. That's straight disrespect to FELA. I know there are Africans who could have choreographed the play. That's like having an African person do the choreography for Lord of the Dance--Irish Stepping. White people should learn you don't have to take over and impose yourself on someone else's culture to appreaciate it.

[fempageantry]

Doesn't seem like Jay-Z's cup of tea of being an Actor, and standing in front of the background getting his picture taken with the Fela logo's.

[AFROTHINKER]

AFRICAN RENAISSANCE will only come from WITHIN EVERY AFRICAN.

It is one thing to be moved by a play and go back and face the same plight.

I must say that plays like this can triggers the level of consciousness but it has to come from within.

[queenmother123]

I wanted to see them last week but had important stuff to take care of. Hopefully they will tour again soon. :)

[IfImBeingHonest]

Fela was a proud Yoruba man. He makes me proud to be Yoruba. God Bless Nigeria. Gos Bless The World.

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@IfImBeingHonest hahaha you again NOIR AMERICAN? you dont give up do you poor thing, never mind your "son" is never going to rule africans SO GET OVER IT.. loser , troll, cloner, and pathetic WIMP.

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@IfImBeingHonest Yoruba ko , yoruba NI, awon too ti sonu kpata kpata !

[femre1]

@cokaffiliation: I don't know the depth of your knowledge about music, poetry & art in general, but i will tell u something: art and music is produced for everybody that appreciates it, white or black, Bob marley is a global icon that pple sings and mime his song all over the world, that doesn't mean pple are exploiting him, infact every jamaican feels proud when they see non jamaican sings or acts his songs. don't worry about exploitation, i'm sure Femi, yeni& seun must have sorted that out.

[femre1]

Nigerians should be proud that Fela's legacy & ideology is finally in the global arena where it belongs. guys, nobody is exploiting fela, the mere fact that Fela is one of the major musicals on the broadway should be a thing of pride for nigerians and africans in general. for people complaining that it is not original enough, pls come off it, it's just a musical honouring the music, life and ideology of Fela or are we saying pple acting shakespare's play the world over are exploiting shakespare?

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@femre1 i think what we nigerians dont like is that there are no nigerians on the show and there is no real representation of our own culture where fela came from which is yoruba culture.. however saying this if by this exposure others come to find the real thing in its wake that is a good thing.. when others who are not familiar with what fela was and who is was come to find the original recordings and original shrine performances , they can see the power of this man for themselves...

[Celebrityzmode]

Only Nigerians can play it and it will seem more real!

Argue it if you like.

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@Celebrityzmode the london production apparently had an entirely different feel to it as nigerians and yoruba were in it. but its not going to be possible to do that in the usa its okay it leads those new to our culture to explore it and to find the real deal eventually .. all roads eventually MUST LEAD TO ROME..

[merse2007]

i feel like they are exploiting him. they no nothing about nigerians, let alone african culture. jay-z is always looking for a way to make money. if jay-z wasn't funding or publicizing the broadway show, no one would give a shit. im so annoyed right now

[sweet2def]

Amazing, so sad the man didnt get to see his music touch so many people...Broadway! I wonder what he would have thought of all this

[HearWithoutPrejudice]

As a nigerian this is soo deep to my heart, so proud

[cokaffiliation]

its kinna funny to see how they're tryna commercialize this man, guess this is just america's posthumous recognition of FELA. But to a true nigerian and having growing up with his music all i can say is that this is sad, all other original fela fans have too agree. His music and his movement (what this play is trying to portray) was against shit like this . R.I.P FELA KUTI

[tok1879]

@cokaffiliation "to a true Nigerian..." Really? I hope you realize that you're one of many other "true Nigerian" fela fans. And yes I'm a true Nigerian fela fan but no, i don't agree with your assessment. I believe it's a positive to keep the flames of the man's message burning and even spread.

[aitan844]

@cokaffiliation good points but its the tide of the times but i am not interested in the rather patronizing attidutes of these people who of course only recognise something when they put their spin on it.. my only gripe with this production is that there are no nigerians no yoruba players or actors in a play about a man who spoke and lived as a nigerian .. such a shame.

[monxcrib]

I just saw this at the London National theatre and the cast was excellent. The lead guy brings Fela to life ....wow. I had shivers throughout the show. Before seeing it I suggest getting familiar with Fela's music first.

[yorubaland]

Beautiful!

[naijanistan]

BRAVO, I SAY BRAVO TO ALL THOSE WHO FUND THIS PROJECT i.e Jay Z and all others. FELA WAS LOVED BY THOSE WHO KNEW HIM WHEN HE WAS ALIVE, AND HE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE LOVED BY THOSE WHO DISCOVER HIM AFTER HIS DEATH. THE FUTURE GENERATIONS WOULD ALSO LOVE HIM.

FELA IS FOR ALL PEOPLE. HE WAS FULL OF COURAGE DESPITE ALL THE WATER BOARDING STYLES OF ATTEMPTS OF THE NIGERIAN MILITARY TO SHUT HIM UP, HE NEVER GAVE UP. ITS GREAT FOR THE WORLD TO DRAW POSITIVE ENERGY FROM THIS GREAT OF A MAN.

[Faaithhh18]

Who cares if people are making money or if the leading performer doesn't have Fela's exact accent who cares about these petty things, people, this is a celebration of Fela's life, His Legacy lives on through his music, let's not forget that music is universal, it speaks to all of us, he has messages for all man kind, he's still teaching us, Jay Z helped fund the project, People are always so negative, for once be positive. This show is so powerful, as was Fela.

[Faaithhh18]

Who cares if people are making money or if the leading performer doesn't have Fela's exact accent who cares about these petty things, people, this is a celebration of Fela's life, His Legacy lives on through his music, let's not forget that music is universal, it speaks to all of us, he has messages for all man kind, he's still teaching us, Jay Z helped fund the project, People are always so negative, for once be positive. This show is so powerful.

[mrsmariafred2]

cool stuffThis Guy Tried, he really try to be Fela, 70% Fela, Keep it up, is not easy to copy some one culture or person.

[mrsmariafred2]

cool stuff

[adenola]

If fela was alive, he would have told all this guyz to fuck off, especially jay-z...where were they when he was fighting for nigerias freedom?...now they wanna celebrate the beauty in his art and are all still watching Africa fall on its knees..fela represented and stood for african unity. if they want to follow in felas footstep they should follow his legacy and not exploit his art.

[RikJamezBich]

Excuse me but what the hell is Jay Z doing anywhere near Fela? Vanity is not what Fela is based on. Super weak for that.

[babaoriginal]

dis guy dont sond like d FELA i listen to ,come u guys ,why u messing stuff up,his tonation is different

[LWms517]

For some of us, this is revisiting old memories. I know very well who Fela Kuti was, as well as Miriam Makeba, Steven Biko and Hugh Masekela. I cried tears of joy the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I've cried tears over the injustices of the treatment of the South African people, as well as all other people treated so cruelly throughout history. How someone can make statements like yours, without truly knowing is sad. There is only one true race on earth; HUMAN. Peace !

[item77]

when baba was alive the west never gave a fuck about him.. simly bcos he was education and empowering his ppl. when his mohter was killed and fella was locked up. what did they do? but today they are making money of his story. My question to u all, do u think if Fela was Alive he would have approved this?

[ramapa1]

Good show, definetely we need this show to come to Brisbane Australia, I bet lot's of people from all over the corner of this part of the world will come or travel to see this spectacular show. I love the music and the beat of the music. Let bring them here in Australia. Fela at QPac.

[Nerced]

What's the song(s) on this video?

[pgluv1]

This show brings all forms of political and musical together all in one sitting.. I went Saturday and I want to go again..

[sandroeleven]

@pgluv1 I agree...It was am excellent performance. The displays and song were amazing.

[moxamet]

Ahh Z jaydee, like you i've been with fela for a long time, although never had the chance of meeting the man, before his untimely demise in 97' .. i listnened to his music back when it was fashionable, and when it got unfashionable, in the cacophonous intrusion of pop and rap and others.. but still, i always knew this day will come.. so let the world enjoy his music too.

[w946]

black president!

[NuRapTV]

White man bringing Africa to Broadway...haha....never woulda thought.....

[muneih]

@ndoss01 these people dont get tired of stupidity?

[ndoss01]

FELA, Rock on Baba..You dey still Shine ooo!!!

[AholouDemesse]

@oluwalogbon58

Méholéni Dona Wé dadatché/

May the Ancestors bless you my sister, take care :-)

[oluwalogbon58]

@oluwalogbon58

[AholouDemesse]

Tiens, Angélique Kidjo was present, Big ups to Jay Z

[4Quasmusic]

@oluwalogbon58 I agree it doesnt matter who financed it but I disagree with your (even if its a watered down version etc) - Fela cannot be watered down, maybe you meant even if its an introductory class to Felaism..LOL...Thanks

[oluwalogbon58]

@4Quasmusic its just that the language is lost in the translation have you seen the film that ginger baker did of fela back in 1971? go watch it.. wonderful...

[4Quasmusic]

@oluwalogbon58 thx

[4Quasmusic]

@vixxy02 i think we should give credit to Jay Z, illuminati or no illuminati, i overstand that he part financed the project ???

Now how many nigerian billionaires and millionaires do we know in the diaspora?

WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO REPRESENT ? Apart from driving up and down in mercedes benz and spending money on blonde women.

[vixxy02]

@4Quasmusic The positive ones ARE representing and doing it very well! More and more are involved in improving the image of Nigeria by exporting what they've gained abroad back home.More are going into the music industry abroad to the extent that our music is being played on black stations,hell we are owning stations! By having an ode to Fela a vital ingredient must be there, not just his music but by those who knew him best...his family! Familiar input is a must...I don't see it here!

[tonyajayi]

@oluwalogbon58 They have some Nigerians in the show I think. Fela's daughter wrote an article in the newsletter I read.I think the leader of the band is a Yorubaman. I think they should involve Nigerians more especially when they go to London. I uploaded about 10 videos on Fela as promotional and I did not see any letter of appreciation or a free ticket. BUT,Fela deserve all we can give. HE IS OUR HERO FOREVER!!!.

[tonyajayi]

@tonyajayi Actually, for the record I did 14 videos to promote Fela! on broadway..from

Dec. 3rd to Dec. 10. So far 1004 viewers have seen those videos. I also raved on Facebook and in these videos about the show of love for FELA and AFRICANS by AFRICAN-AMERICANS. Out of my viewers,they may have generated some ticket buyers. And I was thinking this might start a good relationship between African-Americans and Africans BUT we are still far apart. WE NEED TO BUILD THIS BRIGDE. We should work harder

[oluwalogbon58]

@tonyajayi NA TRUE TALK YOU DEY TALK SHA!! kalakuta republic forever!!!!

[oluwalogbon58]

@vixxy02 you are right though but lets give them small quarter..abi ke? lol!

[hahawow26]

this show was amazing-everybody should see it

[richiedee40]

Come to the UK please. Desperately want to see the show.

[oluwalogbon58]

@richiedee40 ~Ditto"!!!

[sojiwakeup]

To experience Fela Kuti's life, music and struggles off broadway, check out

feakutiblogdotcom

[planetolusola]

yeah! yeah!!

[africasfinest52]

When will the show be coming to London?

[Jeleosimi]

FELA on Broadway !!! A MUST SEE !!!...Wowowowowowow...Fela Lives ..Even in his death ....His body of work and Legacy is "Priceless"

[bizarro85101]

this is so cool i would love to go tio broadway and see them

[wutchamacallit]

this trailer makes me wanna see it!

[RicxelArms]

From his grave , the Abami Eda , The Baba70, and the black prime minister is making His country, Nigeria proud again, after all the recent bad news from that would-be-Terrorist clown called Abdul Mutallab .Hope they skin him alive. Long live Fela, long live Federal Republic of Nigeria and may God bless the united States of America

[Zjaydee]

Look forward to seeing the show. Since the 70's Fela has been my favorite music. So I have to laugh a little. Most of these people had never even heard of him, and now, long after his death, they've suddenly discovered another 'Bob Marley' and this is the music of the future. Yes, Fela's music is incredible. But you cannot have him anymore. You're too late. He belongs to us who loved him when he was alive. Go away. Go play some rap.

[MrUndacovabrova]

@Zjaydee a little bit harsh but your right. FELA has always been great. they are too late.

[AholouDemesse]

@MrUndacovabrova No, it's never too late to discover such an exceptional figure. What about the generations to come? Should we stop telling his story because they will have discovered him too late? Fela lives on through his music and through productions such as this one . It's never too late to honor people who have influenced generations of musicians and will continue to do so, long after we are gone

[doozerace]

@Zjaydee, I respect your opinion,family, but you gotta lighten up. It's not too late. Greatness is never late. And make no mistake, Fela's talent and courage was greatness to the utmost. If this play

[AholouDemesse]

@Zjaydee "Go away, go play some rap, is that directed at Jay Z? lol You should produce your own Fela on broadway instead of hatin' lol

[oluwalogbon58]

@AholouDemesse still trolling and patrolling ?, go and play some rap lol!

[ndoss01]

@oluwalogbon58 kékékéchikéké héh!!! This an african enjoyment lets enjoy being us...on BRODWAY!! Rofl

[oluwalogbon58]

@ndoss01 AWOOOO!!! LMAO!!! WE ARE AFRICANS , AFRICANS AWOOO!! FIFA 2010!

[Clova03]

@Zjaydee How fair is that? To say that others should not listen to good music because they were unaware until they heard it. Were you not unaware of Fela until you heard his music? What if he died the day before you heard his song? Should you then too, "go listen to rap music." It is a FACT that most if not all legends are not truly appreciated until after they've died. Should you then NOT look at the works of Michelangelo or Picasso?

[Clova03]

@Zjaydee Maybe you should just "go look at cave paintings" because they're almost as prehistoric as your points-of-view...

BTW you had BETTA be Naija to even THINK of making any claims to Fela!

[dmjokinen]

@Zjaydee You are a complete idiot! LMAO!! You really believe he belongs to you? Like everyone else who is just being introduced to him don't deserve a piece of what he has to offer? Ignorance and stupidity rule your life! Goof. I you had your way his art would die with you, foolish thinking.

[jide1000]

@Zjaydee you are so wrong who says those who did not have our opportunity to experience him when alive cant now. its like saying you have no right to be a marxist because marx is long dead .fela and his music are a vessel of the truth

[suppapimp1615]

@Zjaydee what is wrong with people who weren't around in the 70's (such as myself) discovering music and an artist that is amazing??

[Zjaydee]

@suppapimp1615

From those who replied to my post and didn't know Fela before, you're the only one without poison in your veins. Welcome to the family and enjoy. At the others. Let me not arouse you from your deep sleep. You're just a Broadway musical away from remembering the name of this artist. Your musical taste is limited to what the mainstream presents, and Fela is just one example of what you're missing. Would it be better if more of these true artists were known to the mainstream? No.

[feezabicrown]

@Zjaydee i think u should be happy dat dey are showing our mentor to d world even if dey are making money off it.

[sk8rtuti]

Whos that at 1:33?

[Chezinsky]

Where are the Yoruba people?  Still nice try tho

[konbitkreyol]

African Renaissance

[oluwalogbon58]

@konbitkreyol its not a Renaissance its a discovery for the aa in america ...

[bilicel]

this is really good you got to see it

[rasrojah]

fell-AH NOT Fail-ah. He is not a failure!

[soulbrotha63]

Congrats to the cast and choreographers and ESPECIALLY my baby boo, Abena!! YEAH YEAH!!

[nytheatreworkshop79]

Congrats on the opening and here's to a great successful run!

[oluwalomejooda001]

I finally get to concede Baba you are no more. Rest in peace

[tonyajayi]

oluwalomejooda001, yes we lost our hero. We could tell a lot of stories about Fela, can't we?. I am so proud of the African Americans.

[bornkool]

Cool Vid ... Thanks for the heads up

[4Quasmusic]

yeah yeah, i was at Pepple street the original shrine...saw Fela practice in public with the band - it was always free weed at the shrine.

this god is alive in us all

Thx for vid