Fela’s music can never die, says Omawumi

The music of Afrobeat progenitor Fela Anikulapo Kuti will last till infinity, says Omawumi Megbele, soul singer.

Ahead of the upcoming Fela! concert, Omawumi said the legend was above his peers, noting that “he’s a force, he’s just not a musician”.

Fela!, the Tony-winning musical about the life of the most famous Nigerian musician, will be showing in Lagos in April – in form of a concert.

The musical has enjoyed tremendous success since debuting on the Broadway stage.

Asides winning multiple awards, theatre lovers from across the world have gone to watch the play.

Commenting on the impact of Fela on the global music scene, Omawumi said, “First of all, he’s an international icon. He’s the creator of a genre of music. That kind of thing doesn’t die”.

“He used the only weapon that he had – which was his music. Fela’s music can never die because when you pay Fela’s song, the first seven minute is instrumental – before you go into the song. That’s what just gets me.

“It’s the kind of music that you can just close your eyes and just go somewhere – especially when you have a cognac in your hand,” she added.

The concert, which is being organised by Smooth FM, will take place at the EKO Convention Centre, Lagos from April 13-15.