Afrobeat, the hypnotic Nigerian funk style invented by Femi Kuti’s late father Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is poised for world domination now that the Broadway musical FELA! is casting a kinetic spell over theatergoers. With his high-powered ensemble The Positive Force, Femi updates the classic Afrobeat sound with contemporary beats and lyrics that continue the tradition of speaking truth to power while aiming grooves directly to the pelvis.

Afrobeat Lesson: Maija Garcia (associate choreographer of FELA!) teaches choreography from the musical
DJ: Rich Medina with Sahr Ngaujah

Damrosch Park
62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam

Monday, July 12, 2010 at 6:30
Dance Lesson at 6:30, Live Music at 7:30

Can’t make it? Check out more Femi Kuti tour dates after the jump…

The Fela! Bus, designed by Ghariokwu Lemi, made the cover of the New York Times! Check out Patrick Healy’s article after the jump…

The cast of Fela! performed and signed copies of the Original Broadway Cast Recording at Borders in the Shops at Columbus Circle. Check out the slideshow after the jump…

Specialty program “Sounds of China” discusses Gary Lucas and Chinese pop project

NPR’s Milo Miles examines the legacy of Fela’s music, the new album “Secret Agent” by drummer Tony Allen, and other artists in the current Afrobeat Scene.

NPR’s Banning Eyre reviews Rachid’s new album, Bonjour.

Featuring artists from all over the Diaspora, this exhibition seeks to pay tribute to one of the African Diaspora’s most influential living ancestors as well as critique the complexity of his persona. Life After Death is a visual homage to a musical genius and perhaps one of contemporary history’s most powerful protest artists, Fela Kuti.

Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI)
408 West 58th Street, NYC
June 11-August 6

Head to the Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery in Harlem to check out Howard T. Cash’s exhibition, Fela: The Man – The Artist, featuring photos of Fela’s life and times in the 1980s. But hurry, the exhibit ends June 26th!

Stop by the Borders in the Shops at Columbus Circle on Friday, June 18th at 5pm to celebrate the release of the Fela! (The Original Broadway Cast Recording). The cast will be performing hits from the musical and signing copies of the new album.

Where: Borders (10 Columbus Circle)
When: Friday, June 18th
What time: 5pm