Fela & the Kalakuta Queens Musical @ The State Theatre
2019-03-29
By: Letlhogonolo Ndhlovu
Fela Anikulapa Kuti’s afrobeat spirit lives on, and on! This was evident by the people who came together to watch a play that celebrates the Queens that were Fela’s wives at the State Theatre on the 29th of March 2019.
The Nigerian cast took us to Kalakuta, we travelled through song, dance & storytelling to the west of our continent.
Fela & the Kalakutia Queens musical gave us the experience of existing in Fela’s compound surrounded by 27 warriors who were integral part of the revolution & his music.
Fela the loving husband is a different side, how they co-existed in love; a family of their own choosing. The man married all of his 27 wives in one ceremony, treated them all like the queens they were and demanded the world around him to recognise them as such – socialists of their time!
The actors sang Fela’s iconic songs “I no bi Gentleman at all”, “Zombie”, “Follow Follow”, “Beasts of No Nation”, “Yellow Fever” and more!
The musical, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters will be showcased at the South African State Theatre until the 7th of April 2019, be sure not to miss it!
View our gallery below.