The powerful new musical Fela!, written by artistic masters Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, will premiere on July 29 at 37 Arts in New York City, New York for a limited off-Broadway run.

www.felaoffbroadway.com

Fela! tells the story of Fela Kuti, the famous Nigerian Afrobeat musician and human-rights activist who fought to empower the deprived Nigerian people through his music and his life.

In a video interview, Jones said,

“I would love for the show to introduce a new generation of theater-goers, and music lovers, and, yes, students of history to an uncompromising, sacred monster. The type that our human civilization depends on. Those persons who are immoderate, sometimes even somewhat misguided, but because of some genius and courage they have, they can speak truly to power. And they can inspire. And they can change things. That’s why I’m very excited about trying to bring this man’s life to the stage.”

FelaOffBroadway.com - rehearsal

Fela! features Kuti’s Afrobeat music, performed live by the Brooklyn-based collective Antibalas, with arrangements by Aaron Johnson. Antibalas is repeatedly credited with introducing Kuti’s Afrobeat music to a new generation, and in Fela!, Antibalas’ performance helps drive the constant energy of this vibrant show.

You can watch clips of Fela! rehearsals online by visiting the

www.felaoffbroadway.com

We’ll be seeing Fela!, but you shouldn’t wait on any more reviews–you should plan on seeing Fela! for yourself!

The world premier of Fela! is Tuesday, July 29 at 7pm, at 37 Arts, 450 West 37th Street, between 9th and 10th avenues. For more information on how and when you can see Fela!, visit this link. Fela! runs through September 21.