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Fela!

Musical in 2 Acts. Book by Jum Lewis and Mill T. Jones. Music and Lyrics Fela Anikulapu-Kuti

Eugene O'Niell Theatre, Broadway, New York - Opened 23rd November, 2009

(Olivier) National Theatre, London - 16November, 2010


FELA! is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation.

Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award® winner Bill T. Jones.

Musial Numbers

  1. Welcome Na De Shrine
    "Everything Scatter" -Fela and Company

  2. B.I.D. (Breaking It Down)
    1. "Iba Orisa": Traditional Yoruba chant - Ismael, Fela and Company
    2. Hymn by Reverend J.J. Ransome-Kuti - Fela, Company and Band
    3. "Medzi Medzi" by E.T. Mensah - Company and Band
    4. "Mr. Syms" by John Coltrane - Company and Band
    5. "Manteca" by Chano Pozo - Company and Band
    6. "I Got the Feeling" by James Brown - Ismael and Company

  3. Underground Spiritual Game (The Clock)
    "Originality/Yellow Fever" Fela and Company

  4. Trouble
    1. "Trouble Sleep" Fela, Funmilayo and Company
    2. "Teacher Don't leach Me Nonsense" Fela, Funmilayo and Company

  5. Black President
    1. "Lover" * Fela and Sandra
    2. "Upside Down" Fela, Sandra and Company
    3. "Expensive Shit" Fela and Company
    4. "Pipeline" */ "I.T.T. (International Thief Thief)" Fela and Company
    5. "Kere Kay" Fcla and Company

  6. Water
    1. "Water No Get Enemy" Fcla, Sandra and Company
    2. "Egbe Mio" Fela, Queens and Funmilayo

  7. The Game
    1. "Zombie" Fela and Company
    2. "Trouble Sleep" (reprise) Fela, Funmilayo and Queens

  8. Wedding
    "Na Poi" Fela and Queens

  9. The Storming of Kalakuta
    "Sorrow Tears and Blood" Fela and Company

  10. Dance of the Orisas
    1. "Iba Orisa/Shakara" Company and Band
    2. "Rain" § Funmilayo and Company

  11. B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Coffin)
    1. "Coffin for Head of State" Fela and Company
    2. "Kere Kay" (reprise) Fela and Company

* "Lover" and "Pipeline," English lyrics by Jim Lewis

§ "Rain" music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean, lyrics by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis

Instrumentation

Trombone; Keyboards; Drums; Percussion; Trumpet; Bass; Guitars: Baritone Saxophone: Tenor Saxophone