Beyonce Causes Controversy with FELA! Inspired Photos

Music superstar Beyonce recenlty participated in a photo shoot with L'Officiel Paris in which she channeled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti- on whom the recent Broadway musical was based. Beyonce went as far as using blackface and tribal paint in the photoshoot, and the result has certainly sparked controversy. 

A representative from L'Officiel Paris told The Daily News that the photos are, "a return to [Beyonce's] African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened," Dodai Stewart wrote, "It's one thing to feel moved by Fela Kuti and quite another to treat blackness as a fashion accessory, like a pair of glittery heels you put on because it looks cool." 

Fela!, the musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, closed on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) on January 2, 2011. 

This new musical was directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winnerBill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo played the title character on alternate performances, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of AaRon Johnson, performEd Kuti's rousing music live onstage. Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Fela! was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Fela! had its world premiere at Off-Broadway's 37 Arts in September 2008, where it enjoyed a sold-out limited run. 

In the musical, directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones with a book by Jim Lewis, audiences were welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.