A documentary about legendary musician Fela Kuti’s
life and politically-charged music has just been
released.
Finding Fela, Alex Gibney’s documentary, celebrates
the life of the visionary Nigerian musician and social
activist, Fela Kuti.
It comes as the latest in a posthumous outpouring
that is proving relentless. Albums are being re-
released, FELA!the musical is in full swing and,
perhaps most importantly, Fela’s self- proclaimed
Kalakuta Republic in the heart of Lagos has been
resurrected as the New Afrika Shrine.
Fela’s home/studio/nightclub was burned down by the
Nigerian army in response to his 1977 Zombie album,
the title song of which, performed here by the FELA!
band, features on Finding Fela as one of three tracks
that isn’t a Fela Kuti original.
A big question arises here: Can you respectfully edit a
Fela Kuti track for a compilation when the majority
weigh in at around 10 minutes? Somewhat tactfully,
shorter tracks such as Jeun Ko Ku and Viva Nigeria
have been included on the two-disc set.
Tracks that have been edited may indeed be frustrating
for fans, but an unobvious selection – the excellent
female-led Upside Down , for example – will probably
reset the balance by reliving some forgotten Afrobeat
favourites.
As an all-encompassing closer, Fela’s son Femi,
backed by the FELA! band, play Colonial Mentality live
at the New Afrika Shrine. As you’d hope, the energy is
infectious.
Finding Fela premieres in Nigeria next month at
Felabration (felabration.net) the 13th annual music and
arts festival celebrating the musical icon from October
13 to 19.
