THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF THE FOUNDER OF AFROBEAT: Tyneside Cinema is showing “Finding Fela” (see below) on January 12, 13 and 14th – all at 8.15pm, plus a matinee at 3.15pm on Tuesday 13th, to be screened in The Gallery
“Finding Fela” tells the story of the remarkable and controversial Fela Kuti’s life, his music, his social and political importance. He created a new musical movement, Afrobeat, using that forum to express his revolutionary political opinions against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. His influence helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria and promoted Pan Africanist politics to the world. The power and potency of Fela’s message is completely current today and is expressed in the political movements of oppressed people, embracing Fela’s music and message in their struggle for freedom.
Includes 17 of Fela’s classic tracks plus a never-before released live version of “Colonial Mentality” recorded at the New Afrika Shine in Fela’s hometown of Lagos and features Femi Kuti on saxophone. With his audacious music and much courage, Fela helped fight corruption and autocracy in freshly democratized Nigeria.
Finding Fela is directed by the Academy Award winning director, Alex Gibney.
Waka Waka Africa North East 