I had the pleasure of seeing the new FELA musical on broadway this past weekend.

While musical's aren't something I have particularly enjoyed in my lifetime, the second I read ?uestlove's rant about the then off-broadway FELA production - I knew it was something I had to experience for myself.

For those who don't know Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician - possibly the most influential African musician in our history - and pioneer of the AFRO-BEATS style.  Afro Beat is a style of African Music heavily influenced by American Funk & the sound of James Brown.

Additionally it is through Afro Beats, that I was to house music in the early 00's through the music of Masters At Work, Roy Ayers, Bob Sinclair's African inspired series Africanism, Seiji, Bugz in the Attic, Jazzanova, and many other artists who sampled a recreated themusic in broken beat/ house styles.  Short - I loved this shit & still do.

If you have an opportunity to see FELA on Broadway DO IT.  Jay-Z/Jada Pinkett-Smith (nodoubt & Steve Stoute collective) helped produce the show... it's soooooo good

Terry Richardson x Sahr Ngaujah (FELA) respectfully lifted from terry richardson's blog

Easily my favorite part of the play was the act that delved into my favorite Fela song Expensive Shit.

Mos Def Sampled Fela Kuti's Fear Not For Man on the Black on Both Sides album.

Though Fela has sinced passed away, he has a son FEMI KUTI was active in his band and made several great songs... listen. download.

Femi Kuti - Truth Don Die (Yourican Soul Remix)