Fela Kuti's story on Broadway and the perspective of his Queens

Three of the nine women who play Fela’s co-wives, from left, Aimee Graham Wodobode, Nicole Chantal de Weever and Iris Wilson

Actresses find depth in Fela's women:

link above and an excerpt:

“The relationship is more intricate than just a bunch of passive women who let a man do whatever he wanted,” Aimee Graham Wodobode, a dancer who plays a wife named Sewaa, said during a recent interview with five of the wives, called queens, at a Midtown restaurant. “They believed in his mission and were ready to die for him.”

Iris Wilson, whose character, Najite, met Fela when she 14 and described him as a combination father, mother and comrade in the fight for African democracy, said, “These were women who stood for something, who spoke out with Fela against the corrupt African government.”

Abena Koomson, whose character, Funmi, a former dancer, is pregnant in the musical and hangs back with the band, said: “Fela could not have done what he did by himself. Afrobeat music really takes a community. What it requires is polyrhythm, many different sounds. In many ways that’s a metaphor for community, for the call and response of African music. The queens are that sound, that affirmation.”

Comments

[Marcy]

Thinking about this article after reading the whole thing, I'm bummed out at NYT's approach. I understand its about the actors and their interpretations but if you're going into the details historically, provide us with interviews of the living Queens. Don't say its OK to take what you will from it and later we'll get more info as interest peaks. Laziness from the journalist? Perhaps. Perhaps its time Root got to the real story? Perhaps!

[Renaissance Clothing]

They looked good with their costumes. Great production!

[Detours alternative]

they really looks like a warrior on their costumes! awesome!

[Broadway Tour]

I just like his perspective ! Great production