FELA! The Concert is coming to Newark Symphony Hall on Thursday, October 22 as part of its historic Centennial celebration.
FELA! The Concert explores the world of Nigerian, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies). The production will bring audiences closer to his fascinating and controversial life as an artist, musician, composer, and political activist.
During its on-Broadway run, Fela! won three Tony Awards and the soundtrack album was nominated for a Grammy.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke to Talia Young, President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall about the concert, the month-long celebration "Africa on Stage" festival and the historic building restoration of NSH.
Young, who saw the original production of FELA!, says plenty of hard work goes into a project like this one.
"The building is jumping with excitement, there are students, kids, dancers, artists, and production. This is actually what we've been working on for the last few years of really reacting Newark Symphony Hall. It really is an exciting time for us right now."
Young also expressed why Fela Anikulapo Kuti is so important to celebrate.
"I grew up in a house of music, including international music. I was introduced to jazz when I was really young. I think that's the beauty of Fela that a lot of people don't know. His jazz background, his professional teaching of the classical music. He was able to take that foundation and then put that in his cultural foundation. What's exciting as having FELA! being produced and communicated on this stage is that Newark is such a melting pot of culture. He was also powerful is his communication of protest."
You can SEE that conversation below: