The London onstage band for Fela! The Musical releases an ebullient Afrobeat album
If Fela! The Musical ever comes to your town, be sure to see the Tony award-winning play. The production, which tells the story of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, focuses on the political firebrand’s struggles with Nigeria’s governing elites amid a vibrant display of butt-wiggling music and dance.
The Fontanelles were originally formed to be just the onstage band for the musical’s London run, but the outfit’s journey did not end there. The musicians stuck together to produce Horns Of Freedom, an eight-track Afrobeat album that also includes a smattering of jazz and reggae.
Horns Of Freedom is available from First Word Records on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digital download from November 10, 2013.