Mambo Takes Over for Nguajah in FELA!

Tony Award nominee Sahr Nguajah played his final performance as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti on October 10, and Kevin Mambo is taking over as the title character.  Mambo, who has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his appearances on GUiding Light, has been alternating the role with Nguajah since it opened last year.  Nguajah is set to star in the upcoming West End production of the show

FELA!, the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation, is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Kuti's captivating music and the visionary direction of Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, Kuti defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

FELA! is directed and choreographed Mr. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Mr. Jones. FELA! was conceived by Mr. Jones, Mr. Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth and Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Douglas G. Smith, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Susan Dietz/Mort Swinsky, and Knitting Factory Entertainment, in association with Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson are the producers. FELA! is scheduled to perform through January 2, 2011 at the Eugene O'Neill Theater, 230 West 49 Street, New York City.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.