FELA! the Broadway musical about the life and music of Nigerian performer and political activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is scheduled to be performed at Eko Hotel, Lagos, from April 20th to 25th.
Organisers said, "The aim of FELA! in Lagos is to unite and connect Africans in spirit and unity, to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria, and to celebrate Fela Kuti, for the contribution he has made to Nigeria and the world."Photo:
FELA! depicts the story A scene from Fela @ Olivier, National Theatre. Directed by Bill T. Jones.(Opening 16-11-10): Photo: ©TRISTRAM KENTON 11/10
of legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro beat rhythms ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation.
The musical will star Sierra Leonean-American actor, Sahr Ngaujah, who plays Fela Kuti and music will be provided by the Antibalas, a Brooklyn-based afrobeat band that is modeled after Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band..
The FELA! in Lagos is being produced by Broken Shackles - a Nigerian production company, in conjunction with Lagos State government.
"With series of media partners and sponsorships, FELA! in Lagos will be the most talked about show in Nigeria for years to come. We have created sponsorship, branding and advertising opportunities for those who wish to be a part of this historic theatrical event," a spokeswoman for Broken Shackles said.
FELA! on Broadway was conceived by American artistic director, Bill T. Jones, book writer, Jim Lewis, and Stephen Hendel, a businessman from New York. Its producers include the entertainment legends, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith.
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***Producer buys Dagrin's wrecked car
Producer of the Dagrin's Biopic, Ope Banwo, has bought the car in which the late singer had the ill-fated accident that led to his death.
Speaking on why he decided to buy the car, Banwo said, "once you decide to do a biopic, there are some things you have to do to create as much realism of the real story as possible. There are some things you should not compromise as a producer if you really believe in doing your best for your audience."
The Nissan Maxima, with customised plate DAGRIN 03, which was already sold to scrap dealers in Owode Oniran, was bought for N400,000. When asked what he would do with the scrap metal after the production of the movie, Banwo said, "I am not sure right now. I may probably donate the car to the museum, since the Dagrin accident has become a national event."
In the movie, Trybson Dudukoko plays the late Dagrin while Doris Simeon, Rachael Oniga, Pa Kasumu, all play his love interest and parents respectively.
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***Harrysong sets a release date
Questionmark Entertainment's frontline act, Harrysong, will release his debut album on April 1.
According to Kaycee Oguejiofor, the imprint's general manager, the album, which has been pushed back on many occasions since 2008, will be released on the first day of April 2011.
"Yes, Harrysong's debut album will be released on April 1, 2011," Oguejiofor said.
The album, which is titled ‘Testify', will feature label mates, D'Supremes and Ego, on the album's lead single, ‘Hold Yuh' (a remake of Gyptian's ‘Hold Yuh') and Tuface Idibia.
Harrysong, real name Tare Okiri, came into public consciousness in 2008 with the release of ‘Yekelem'. He has worked with P-Square, Omotola Jalade, D'Supremes, and many others in capacities which included songwriting, vocal coaching, and music production.
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***Star Quest to host first Regional Auditions
The first regional auditions for the 2011 edition of Star Quest kicks off on March 10 and will run up to March 12 at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Unlike its previous editions, which required an on-line registration, interested participants are only required to go the designated audition venue, register, and perform in front of the judging panel.
According to the corporate affairs adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Yusuf Ageni, "The company is pleased to welcome young Nigerians who are residing in Abuja and its environs to Reiz Continental Hotel for Star Quest 2011 regional auditions. Star lager beer is offering this unique platform to music enthusiasts for them to explode into stardom.
"We invite them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to exhibit their musical talents. One or more members of Nigeria's next Star Quest winners may just emerge from this zone."
Sponsored by Star lager beer, Star Quest began in 2002 where its maiden winners was the duo of Kc Presh.
