Fela! will be opening on Broadway later this year. I must admit I haven’t particularly followed the show’s journey prior to this announcement, but it looks as though Fela! might become one of the major musicals of this season – hopefully not only because of the lack of much else that’s exciting, but also because it ends up being a great show within itself. The press release for the show describes it as follows:

Audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), [Fela!] explores Kuti’s controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.”

The show has a book by Jim Lewis, who also provided additional lyrics for the show) and Bill T. Jones (who also serves as the show’s director-choreographer). Following a limited engagement Off-Broadway last year, which received incredibly positive reactions from critics and the public, Fela! is aiming to make it’s official Broadway bow on 23 November, with previews starting October 19th.