Now this is exciting. Tony award winning choreographer Bill T. Jones is set to bring the life and work of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo - Kuti to the Broadway stage next month when the vibrant new musical opens at The Eugene O'Neil Theater in New York.
Jones directs and choreographs the high-energy show based on the turbulent life of beloved Nigerian musician Fela who captured the attention of the world in the 1970's with his jazz infused music that served as a political rallying cry for his people.
Jones, who won a Tony Award for best choreography for the musical Spring Awakening is probably best know for co-founding the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Comapny with his late partner over 25 years ago.
Jones who is openly gay and HIV-positive is on a short list of black directors who have been given the opportunity to be in control of mounting multi-million dollar Broadway shows.
Fela also marks the return of another Tony award winner, the incomparable Lillias White who will star in the role of Funmilayo.
Fela opens on Broadway on October 19. Watch Bill T. Jones and the cast in action in the clip below:
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