Fela!

By Siham Toloa

Boom! Boom! Ba! Ba! Da! The wild drums and the pulsating beat had the audience transfixed and wanting more. Fela, played by Kevin Mambo, was as realistic as it could get. His acting was superb and admirable to watch. It was as if Fela awoke from the grave, and was on stage again. Mambo mimicked his actions, the way he spoke, and his voice. It was as if I were part of his world. He spoke directly to the viewers, with passion, humor, and truth. This is one of the best Broadway productions of all time.

When audiences first enter the Eugene O’Neill Theater, they see lights and a band softly playing in the background. The stage is full of screens and portraits of all different types of people. The stage dips out to the front and allows the audience a closer glimpse of the actors. The fabulous swirls of light, the unique introduction, and the communication with the audience left an imprint.

This musical was completely different from those I have chanced to see before. Its atmosphere was overwhelming, empowering and inspiring. Fela was not an average intellectual; he was a god-send to his fellow kinsmen. He understood battle and what he needed to do to help his people. In this excerpt of his life, Kevin Mambo portrays Fela and his time of power.

What Fela did best was sing and play the saxophone. Reaching out to his neighbors and fellow citizens, he was branded the king of Afrobeat. He became a legend and was known for his stirring lyrics. The songs were uplifting and sensational. His voice was persuasive, and full of raw emotions. The leader that the Nigerians needed had come and the government had no idea. When the government finds out what Fela is up to, they set out to destroy him as quickly as possible. Little to their surprise, they couldn’t stop him. He was too intelligent, too tolerant, and too quick for them.

This musical was more like a concert than anything. The songs touched my heart; the way he interacted with the spectators was, again, something unbelievable. The actors came out and mingled with the crowd, asking questions, laughing, and dancing. At one point, Fela (Kevin Mambo) made the crowd stand and dance. During another part of the show, he made us sing with him. There was laughter, singing, and, at the end, tears.

He made it a memorable day for my peers and me. I enjoyed every moment of it.