The much-loved Nigerian musical, “Fela and the Kalakuta Queens”, has returned to the stage in grand style, drawing loud cheers and full houses at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Produced by acclaimed theatre director and producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters, the musical made a comeback on Friday, December 26, and ran for 11 days.
From the opening night, the show received a rousing reception, once again proving its strong appeal to theatre lovers, reports Saturday Independent.
With a powerful mix of Afrobeat music, energetic dance, Yoruba spirituality, colourful costumes and deep storytelling, the production delivers a rich and emotional theatre experience. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Since its first premiere in Lagos in 2017, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens has continued to impress audiences wherever it is staged.
The musical has travelled from Lagos to Egypt, South Africa and the World Expo in Dubai, as well as several states across Nigeria, before returning to Lagos with renewed energy and style.
The musical tells the story of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, from a unique angle — through the lives of the 27 women who were part of his Kalakuta Republic as dancers, wives and partners.
The production celebrates their strength, courage and cultural influence, while also examining issues of power, corruption, colonialism, freedom, identity and female empowerment.
With live music, bold choreography and strong performances, the musical places the Kalakuta Queens at the centre of Fela’s world, showing them as co-creators and fighters, not just background figures.
A key force behind the sound of the production is respected Nigerian musician, composer, director and educator, Kehinde Oretimehin, who serves as the music director and composer.
Speaking on the show, Oretimehin said the current run has been smooth due to the experience gained over the years.
“This particular run is smooth because we have done over 200 shows. The real work was in 2017 during the first production. It was very technical and complex, just like Fela himself,” he said.
Describing Fela’s music as “classical and very interesting,” Oretimehin noted that every part of the late icon’s work is worth studying and learning from.
On how he recreated Fela’s sound, Oretimehin explained that the process came naturally.
“Fela’s music is unique and popular. As a trained musician, I only need to listen and recreate, while adding elements of his Afro music style,” he said.
He added that the opening song of the musical holds special meaning for him. According to him, a long introduction and monologues in the script were transformed into powerful chants and arioso that set the tone for the show.
“The heavy use of traditional percussion gives the music strong African rhythms, while the melodies follow call-and-response patterns with rich harmonies,” he explained.
Oretimehin also praised the audience response, describing it as overwhelming.
“Tickets are sold out. It is a Bolanle Austen-Peters show except for nothing less than magic. People love it,” he said.
With over 30 artistes on stage, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens boldly bring history, music and activism together. It is hard to watch the production without feeling inspired by its fearless storytelling, deep African roots and celebration of culture.
