Genevieve Nnaji to star in Fela’s musical show premiering on Clubhouse

Nollywood actress and director, Genevieve Nnaji, will star in an audio adaptation of the Broadway musical ‘FELA’ which will premiere on the Clubhouse app this weekend.

The audio adaptation on Clubhouse termed ‘Fela Ten-Twenty’ will portray the “#EndSARS movement in the context of Fela Kuti’s legacy,” Fela Ten-Twenty director/producer, Funa Maduka, told CNN.

The ‘Ten-Twenty’ signifies the date #EndSARS protesters were reportedly shot at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 10, 2020.

“Fela’s music… demanded global engagement with African political thought. In the aftermath of the October 2020 #EndSars protests … his message still achingly resounds. This production is a love letter to those fighting for a better Nigeria,” said Maduka.

The organisers further revealed that Nnaji will star as one of the ‘Kalakuta Queens’, representing the musician’s dancers in Fela Ten-Twenty.

Nnaji revealed in a statement that she is “honoured to be part of the production.”

She said, “The contemporary issues highlighted are what sold me. This is an artful retelling of Fela’s story and I’m honoured to be a part of it.

“I grew up on radio plays and the experience is nostalgic for me – the power of voice to influence minds and touch hearts is undeniable.”

According to Maduka, part of the proceeds from the show on Clubhouse on May 15th and 16th will go to the GEANCO Foundation and will be used to provide scholarship to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality.