BWW Interviews: Adesola Osakalumi Starring in FELA!

FELA! starring Adesola Osakalumi as Fela Kuti is coming to Blumenthal Performing Arts Belk Theater, February 25-26. FELA! was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won three including best Choreography, Best Costumes and best Sound in 2010. Directed and choreographed by legendary Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones. Tickets are now on sale at the Blumenthal Box Office: 704-372-1000.

Serendipity or divine will brought Adesola Osakalumi to the role of Fela. Adesola's father owned a record label and a record store in the Bronx. Fela Kuti, the Nigerian multi-instrumental musician and human rights activist would come into his store. As a child, Adesola met him two times and observed the soul of the man. Now as an adult, Adesola is unfolding Fela's music, beliefs and life story.

Adesola was rebooting his phone when I called. We finally connected. His demeanor was kind and genuine. His passion ran deep when discussing Fela Kuti.

LAW: Where are you now?

AO: We're in Washington D.C. It's raining.

LAW: Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born?

AO: I'm a native New Yorker. I grew up in the Bronx. My whole family are artists and musicians.

LAW: Tell me about your parents.

AO: My father [Roy Francis] owned Africa I Dance Theater and my mother [Elaine Chambers-Kasse] was the dance captain. Dance was always important in my family.

LAW: What did you start doing first, singing, dancing or acting?

AO: Dancing.

LAW: What was your first professional job?

AO: Oh,... it was a Levis Jeans commercial.

LAW: What was your most memorable experience in your profession?

AO: (Pause) It's hard to pick just one (pause). I have two of them, going to Fela's hometown of Lagos, that was a once in a lifetime experience. The other was getting nominated for a Drama Desk Award for best choreography for JAM ON THE GROOVE, a hip-hop musical.

LAW: Were you the choreographer?

AO: I was one of the co-choreographers, yes. I was also one of the writers and directors.

LAW: How did you get the role of Fela?

AO: I met the man [Fela] two times in passing. He was very dynamic and charismatic. My father, along with his brothers [Roger, Rudolf and Roland Francis] owned a record label and a
record store in the Bronx, highlighting African music, tradition and culture. They recorded Fela on their label. After EQUUS, I knew I wanted to be in this show. I had three auditions.

LAW: How did you prepare for the audition?

AO: I stayed fully in character, "Method" acting. I immersed myself. I listened to his [Fela's] music. I read about his life. I spoke with a Nigerian accent. I would go into the city [Manhattan] and talk to people all day with the accent, so it would be very conversational.

LAW: How did you learn a Nigerian accent?

AO: Growing up, there were many people around me who spoke with Nigerian accents, because of my father's business. It was easy. It was funny, in the third call back [audition]; the producers realized I didn't have a natural Nigerian accent.

LAW: Tell me about the callbacks.

AO: Wow, the second callback was daunting. I wasn't expecting so many people-the director, the producer, marketing people. It was very nerve-wracking. I stayed in character. I don't know if they planned this, I should ask, but the drummer came in wrong. I did what Fela would have done, I "yabbed" him for it. I never came out of character.

LAW: What do you think of Fela Kuti?

AO: He was a devoted man, devoted to his family. A man of the people, for the people. He was harassed and incarcerated. He never left his home. His children carry on his legacy.

LAW: Did his lyrics help change the history of Nigeria?

AO: It's a work in progress. He was outspoken and compassionate. He spoke about political and financial injustice.

LAW: Explain Afro beat, what is it?

AO: It's a bubbly fusion of rhythms and drums, James Brown, R&B, big band horns. It's rhythms, driving hypnotic rhythms. It's provocative "in your face".

LAW: How long have you been on tour?

AO: [Washington] D.C. is the first city. This is our second tour.

LAW: What's been the best experience being on the road?

AO: All of it. I'll tell you what's the worst experience, it's post show. 'Being famished and the restaurants are closed, no food in the hotel, that's a big challenge.

LAW: You are involved in so much. What do you plan to do when you finish this tour?

AO: Plans,... (pause) acting, theater, television. The opportunities that come. I really enjoy the theater; directing, choreography... And film.

LAW: After speaking to you, I need to see FELA!.

AO: It's unlike any other production. It will inspire you, empower you and change your view of the world.

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