Birth Place: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Audiences around the world will be able to experience FELA!, the new hit Broadway musical about the life and music of legendary Nigerian performer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, when it is broadcast in January 2011 on movie screens around the globe as part of NT Live, the initiative by London's National Theatre to broadcast live performances of plays to a world audience.
Last night, May 20, the producers of FELA! hosted a post-theater reception at The Palm in midtown for Broadway national tour presenters from across the country who are in town for the Spring League Conference and for members of the FELA! company in celebration of thier 11 Tony Award nominations - the most of any show this season. In attendence were Tony nominated producers Jay-Z, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Stephen & Ruth Hendel, Tony-nominated director & choreographer Bill T. Jones, and Tony-nominated stars Sahr Ngaujah and Lillias White. BroadwayWorld was also on hand to celebrate.
Today, with a BWW Exclusive First Listen is a critique of Broadway's most highly-praised and most Tony-nominated new show of the year, the smash-hit Afrobeat musical by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis, FELA! So, is it as electrifying and exciting as the critics found the show to be onstage? Let's find out...
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Guy Adkins, 'Sugar,' Second City, 'Aftermath,' 'Fela!,' 'Glee,' more.....
The Village Voice announced today that the hit Broadway musical FELA! will perform at the 55th Annual Village Voice OBIE Awards on Monday, May 17, 2010, at Webster Hall. FELA!-which is produced by Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, among others-is a musical based on the life and music of the iconic African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
On May 11, 2010 Knitting Factory Records continues its re-release campaign of Fela's entire catalog with the 'Na Poi' releases. The newest collection, The Na Poi releases, includes 7 CDs, containing 14 albums total. Most of these albums are from the mid-70s and represent Fela and Africa '70 in their prime
Jay-Z, rapper and producer of the Broadway musical FELA! will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live's May 8th episode, according to reports.
Chiwetel Ejiofor will play Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti in the upcoming biopic to be directed by Steve McQueen.
Nominations for the American Theatre Wing's 64th Annual Antoinette Perry 'Tony' Awards were announced May 4, 2010 by Broadway Star Lea Michele and Tony Award Nominee Jeff Daniels.
St. Ann's Warehouse has announced the attendees for its upcoming Gala to celebrate its 30 year anniversary. The event will include FELA! star Sahr Ngaujah, who plays the title role in the hit Broadway musical, alongside the FELA! band.
On May 11, 2010 Knitting Factory Records continues its re-release campaign of Fela's entire catalog with the 'Na Poi' releases. The newest collection, The Na Poi releases, includes 7 CDs, containing 14 albums total. Most of these albums are from the mid-70s and represent Fela and Africa '70 in their prime
Revive Music Group's tribute to the legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers features an amazing lineup of music pioneers including legendary hip hop producer Pete Rock, jazz trailblazer The Robert Glasper Experiment and special guest Stefon Harris. Honored Guest Roy Ayers will be there to bask in the glory.
Revive Music Group's tribute to the legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers features an amazing lineup of music pioneers including legendary hip hop producer Pete Rock, jazz trailblazer The Robert Glasper Experiment and special guests. Honored Guest Roy Ayers will be there to bask in the glory. For this very unique event, the featured artists will collaborate in tribute to the extraordinary career of vibraphonist Roy Ayers and his influence and contributions to contemporary urban music.
Revive Music Group's tribute to the legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers features an amazing lineup of music pioneers including legendary hip hop producer Pete Rock, jazz trailblazer The Robert Glasper Experiment and special guest Stefon Harris. Honored Guest Roy Ayers will be there to bask in the glory.
The Village Voice announced today that the hit Broadway musical FELA! will perform at the 55th Annual Village Voice OBIE Awards on Monday, May 17, 2010, at Webster Hall. FELA!-which is produced by Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, among others-is a musical based on the life and music of the iconic African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Knitting Factory Records is excited to announce the June 8th release of Fela! - Original Broadway Cast Recording. The record documents the magic of the hit Broadway musical that Ben Brantley of the New York Times called 'hot (and seriously cool).'
Fela!, the critically acclaimed new musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo play the title character at alternate performances, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, perform Kuti's rousing music live onstage.
Jacob's Pillow announces today that Executive Director Ella Baff will soon present the fourth annual Jacob's Pillow Dance Award to Bill T. Jones, acclaimed choreographer, co-founder, and artistic director of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Tony Award winner for Spring Awakening, and director of the current Broadway hit FELA! The Jacob's Pillow Dance Award honors outstanding visionary artists and carries a prize of $25,000, one of the largest cash awards in the dance industry, to be used by the choreographer to enhance their artistry in any way they choose.
Musicals Tonight! continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance to be held on Monday, April 19th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre.
Musicals Tonight! continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance to be held on Sunday, April 18th and Monday, April 19th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre.
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