Fela and the Kalakuta Queens

Synopsis

The story behind Fela and the Kalakuta Queens.

Fela and The Kalakuta Queens is a demonstration of the rich cultural heritage that Nigeria is blessed with. The play tells the story of legendary musical icon and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, revealing the sensational life of the world-renowned Queens of Kalakuta and unmasking common misconceptions about them.

The story of Fela Kuti and the Kalakuta Queens is a timeless critique of post-independence Africa, with strong commentary about greed, corruption, abuse of power, underdevelopment and African leaders’ relationships with their former colonial masters. The message in the music was as relevant during Fela’s time as it is today. It travels through the honest and selfless love Fela had with his dancers, the Queens, who left their homes to follow him, believing in his vision of building a better community through arts and music.

The musical also explores the lives of these women who constituted an integral part of his band. It gives a unique insight into the negotiation of gender and power relations at the Kalakuta Republic, while showcasing their fashion, dance, African identity and misunderstood legacy.