Yes. You read it right. There’s a new off-Broadway show chronicling the life and music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and it runs through September 21 at the 37 ARTS theater in NYC.

For those of you that don’t know, Fela was to Nigeria what Bob Marley was to Jamaica. He was a larger-than-life persona that embodied the unlikely combo of music, sex, and spirituality; the contrast of new styles and old traditions; the syncretization of African and American sounds; and above all, he was a truly revolutionary rockstar.

Directed by notable choreographer Bill T. Jones and with music provided by the NY-based afro-beat group, Antibalas, Fela! is sure to be a hit. I honestly can’t imagine that the audience will be able to stay in their seats for the entire performance – Fela’s music and those bad-ass dancers are likely to inspire some holy-ghost conniptions.

Check out the video below for a first glance at the musical with commentary by Bill T. Jones. Watching the actor who portrays Fela, I literally got chills. This guy looks and moves and sounds just like the man himself – a great choice.

(sigh) it’s times like this I wished in lived in ‘the city’. Ah well, hopefully Fela! will go on tour and come to Atlanta before long. Or maybe somebody can hook me up with a cheap flight.Until then…

cheers,

k