Musical
Motherland The Musical
Set in the heart of Lagos, Motherland The Musical follows young friends navigating adulthood, ambition, love, struggle and life in a fast-paced city.
← Back to Theatre
Theatre Production
Fela and the Kalakuta Queens
A bold theatrical production celebrating Fela, the Kalakuta Queens and a defining cultural era.
Legacy & Impact
The Bigger Story
Fela and the Kalakuta Queens as part of BAP Productions' wider cultural legacy.
01
Created with the support of the Fela Kuti estate, giving the production cultural authenticity and historical depth.
02
Became one of the largest theatrical productions ever to emerge from West Africa, seen by over 120,000 people.
03
Toured internationally across Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Dubai, proving African live theatre could command global audiences.
04
Celebrated for reimagining the Fela story through the women of Kalakuta: bold, revisionist African storytelling on a grand scale.
05
Cemented BAP's reputation as Africa's leading producer of large-format musical theatre.
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.
Pictures
Production Gallery
A visual look into Fela and the Kalakuta Queens by BAP Productions.
Videos
Watch Highlights
Trailers, highlights and selected video moments from this production.
Video highlights will be added soon.
Explore More
Related Theatre
Discover more productions from Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions.
