Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has joined the cast for an audio adaptation of “FELA!”, a Broadway musical. The musical is billed to premiere via the Clubhouse app on 15th May.
In a statement, organisers of “Fela Ten-Twenty”, the title of the audio adaptation, said Nnaji will play the role of one of the Fela’s dancers known as the “Kalakuta Queens”.
Stephen Hendel, the original lead producer of the Broadway show, had earlier announced that the audio adaptation of Fela, written and directed by Funa Maduka, will be held on 15th and 16th May.
The production is to highlight the struggles of Fela, framing the #EndSARS movement in the context of his legacy.
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While the adaptation is a nod to the original Broadway musical “Ten Twenty”, it also represents the date of the shooting of the protesters by security forces at the Lekki toll gate in October 2020 amid the anti-police brutality movement.
Genevieve Nnaji said: “The contemporary issues highlighted are what sold me. This is an artful retelling of Fela’s story and I’m honoured to be a part of it. I grew up on radio plays. And the experience is nostalgic for me the power of voice to influence minds and touch hearts is undeniable.”
Funa Maduka, “Fela Ten Twenty” writer, director-cum-producer, also said: “I tripled speaking roles for women by bringing the voices of the Kalakuta Queens, women who fought and performed alongside Fela, to the forefront.
“Women have long been at the centre of political movements, especially in Africa. To have a woman of Genevieve’s calibre play a Kalakuta Queen, only elevates this legacy of leadership, fortitude, and grace.”
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