Life and legacy of Fela Kuti celebrated at Goethe Centre

AfricaAvenir will present the Namibian premiere of the film Finding Fela’ tomorrow. The premiere takes place at the Goethe Centre at 19:00 and tickets cost N$40. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney’s latest incisive and illuminating feature film Finding Fela’ is a sweeping portrait of the artist as guerrilla warrior. Set to the insistent groove of Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti’s revolutionary Afrobeat sound, the remarkable story of one man’s courageous stand against a corrupt and dictatorial government gives testament to the transformative power of music as a force for social and political change. Fela’s influence spanned the globe as his soaring music and unstoppable spirit transported audiences in the Americas, Europe and, most importantly, throughout Africa. His defiantly vocal opposition to the military regime destroying his people made him the voice of the oppressed masses and a target of brutal government retaliation. Finding Fela’ features recently rediscovered archival footage of the legendary musician in performance, in interviews and in unguarded private moments, as well as new interviews with family, colleagues and friends for a glimpse of the audacious and dangerous life of a contradictory iconoclast who defined African political thought for more than two decades. Simultaneously, the film goes behind the scenes to observe the evolution of Fela’, the Broadway musical based on his life and work that was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. As the two parallel tales intertwine and merge, they form a nuanced commentary on the crucial role of art in the global society. Fela Kuti’s passion for his music and epic crusade for his country’s future galvanised a generation of Africans and still stand as a compelling example of the transcendent power of creativity. A unique cinematic experience, Finding Fela’ is a tribute to every artist who has ever dedicated his or her imagination and personal charisma to unify, educate and motivate the world. Rolling Stone magazine described Fela as a lover, a fighter, a political activist, a polygamist, a thorn in the Nigerian government’s side, a best-selling recording artist, the basis for a hit Broadway show, a band leader, and most importantly, an African. “Alex Gibney’s Finding Fela’ takes an in-depth look at the life and times of Fela Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat singer-songwriter who became a musical ambassador for his country and his continent, Rolling Stone said. WINDHOEK STAFF REPORTER