LaBelle Takes the Stage in 'Fela'

By
Janaya Williams
Features | Sep 13, 2010

On Tuesday night, singer Patti LaBelle takes the stage at the Eugene O'Neil Theater. But this time she won't be performing her own hit songs. LaBelle is taking over the role of Fela Kuti's mother, Funmilayo, in the Broadway hit, Fela!

Funmilayo is the mother of the Afrobeat superstar and was a well-known feminist and political activist. She died after being hurt in a police raid on her son's home and music studio.

Fela! is the winner of three Tony awards, including Best Choreography and Best Sound Design for a musical.

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Janaya Williams

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