Fela and the Kalakuta Queens musical coming to SA

The musical chronicles the life of the late Nigerian Afrobeat artist Fela Kuti and his relationship with the Kalakuta Queens – the 27 women he married at a single ceremony in 1978.

The character of Fela will be played by Nigerian actors Laitan 'Heavywind' Adeniji and Patrick Diabuah alongside a cast of 36 and a fifteen-piece band.

“The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is a compelling one, while at the same time deeply moving and emotionally engaging,” the SAST said. “It travels through the honest and selfless love the icon had with his dancers 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 and gives a unique insight into the negotiation of gender and power relations at the Kalakuta Republic, while also showcasing their unique fashion, dance and African identity, and unmasking common misconceptions about them.”

The musical's director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said: “Nigerians form a strong community in promoting Nigerian and African culture in notable cities around the globe. We believe that a historic and cultural production like Fela and the Kalakuta Queens will be received well in South Africa considering Fela’s iconic status and the increasing interest in Afrobeat internationally.”

SAST artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi said the message in the musical reflected the socio-political realities of Africa.

“We have a thriving community representing the diaspora in Pretoria and believe that this will bring them out for theatrical entertainment,” he said. “While entertaining and spectacular, the story of Fela Kuti and the Kalakuta Queens is a timeless critique of post-independence Africa, with strong commentary about greed, corruption and abuse of power"

The show has a 13 years age restriction and tickets to the event are available via Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores nationwide.