It’s Time to Felabrate! 11 Nominations, 3 Wins for FELA! at the 2010 Tony’s
Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 12:13 PMBy BellaNaija.com
FELA! The Broadway Musical depicts the life of Nigerian Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has scooped 3 Awards at Broadway’s most prestigious awards ceremony, the Tony’s.
Choreographer, Bill T. Jones won his second ever Tony for his inspired choreography of the show, Marina Draghici won for Best Costume Design of a Musical while Robert Kaplowitz won for Best Sound Design of a Musical.
Members of the FELA! cast performed an energetic scene from the show during the Tony broadcast while FELA!’s celebrity backers, Jay-Z (who attended with his superstar wife, Beyonce) along with Will & Jada Smith were also at the awards show as they glowed with pride that the story they believed in paid off. Stephen Hendel and his wife, Ruth were also at the event. It was through Steve’s vision and love of Fela’s music that the broadway production was developed.
According to reports (later confirmed via D’Banj’s official Twitter account – @iamdbanj), Nigerian music star D’Banj also attended the awards ceremony. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, this leads further credence to the stories that the star will be involved in the Fela story either on film or on stage. BellaNaija.com will keep you updated with any new developments.
The festive night rounded off with an exclusive afterparty which was attended by stars including ?uestlove and Kerry Washington.
Congrats to the FELA! cast and crew. Check out photos from the awards below.
FELA! on stage at the Tony's
FELA!
FELA! Backers: Jay-Z (with wife, Beyonce), Will & Jada Smith
2010 Tony winners including Denzel Washington, Viola Davis & Catherine Zeta-Jones
Kerry Washington
Scarlett Johansson
FELA's Bill T Jones jumps for joy after his win
Photo Credit: Getty Images | WireImages | AP
Tags: fela, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Haha. Love IT! and I heart B’s Dress!!
Fela lives on
BABA 70….
was my first broadway experience and the show was just phenomenal! and deserved the wins!!!….Fela forever!
I watched the Tonys. Althogh Memphis won for the big category of best musical. Wasnt suprised I knew
Bill T Jones lookes like “Ru paul” in that pic
kerry Washington needs to stay home a bit!!!!
something about the performance seemed stereotypical….or maybe thats just me.
but CONGRATS though!
Very nice, Abami eda lives on…..Big ups 2 d cast & crew of d Fela musical…..I really can’t wait 2 see d’banj play Fela on broadway(if it does happen), It wud be phenomenal……
Congrats.
kerry washington looks hawtezzzzzz…. dbang or watever he is called will oversabi the part phenomenal is an over stratement!
I dont know who are the people saying that D bang is going to be involved in the film or play of FELA. One thing I know for sure is that Chiwetel Ejiofor British born actor of Nigerian parent who have acted in movies such as American Gangster, Salt coming out this summer have been offiicially chosen to play Fela in its biopic. Here is a link to kniitting factory the record company selling Fela’s catalogue on its website is the news. Please let us get our fact right before we post something on the internet.
Once again go to http://www.knittingfactoryrecords.com/ on all latest news on Chiwetel Ejiofor playing FELA and the Album release from Fela musical on broadway.
Here is a link to the news of chiwetel Ejiofor playing fela http://www.knittingfactoryrecords.com/news/
can i also say that fela is leaving broadway and will go to London in november for those in england at the national arts theatre in London. Also there is a talk with producers of the show that the show will some how come to lagos in october courtesy of Fela daugther and Nigeria Ministry of Culture. It was said by the director Bill T. jones talking to the members of the press after his award for cheorography at the tonys award here is a link or video http://v.playbill.com/services/player/bcpid75704709001?bctid=96333912001