Ayo Does FELA!

Posted in: Blog, Inspiration, Passions, Public Relations, Spirited by Ms. Ayo Fashola on April 22, 2011 4:19 pm

On April 20th, i had the pleasure of checking out the Broadway Musical Fela!, but check this, not in New York where it ran for about a year, and not in London where it was sold out both nights, but right in my own back yard, the country of my mother and father, Lagos, Nigeria. I would not and could not have it any other way. I am a huge Fela fan and although i felt sad i missed the showing in New York, i was totally estactic to see it in Lagos.

Why? Its where i was born, and its where Fela is from. Fela Anikula Anikulapo Kuti to be exact. I remember hearing Fela as a little girl. My father was a rebel of the sorts and we enjoyed Fela as it was played in the background as my father smoked his cigerettes (as well as many other things) and had his beer. As i got older and delved into his music, I became to love what Fela stood for as an artist, a political activist and a musician. Fela was for the people, Fela was against colonial mentality and white supremecy and he fought hard through his music to relay that message to his people. To learn more about Fela Kuti, his art and his music, visit here.

Now of course, i had to design a special piece for this event. Using Ankara fabric, i designed a one-shoulder silhouette piece using patches of leoapard in pink blue/white grey. It was fun to wear and it was perfect for such an event that showcased our freedom of dressing as an African before European influence came into the mix. I’ve got more ideas and more fabrics and can’t wait to play. Stay tuned for what i have in store.

After a relaxing day at BNatural Salon and Spa in Ikeja, I got ready at Eko Hotel and Suite. Wearing a dress i personally designed for the event. I hope you like it!

 

My aunt Mrs. Biola Ufeli and me (so happy and feeling so good)

 

One more group photo with friends before we head in to see the show

Left to right, Ngozi, Femi, me, Ofili, Azuka

 

The stage is set up and the crowd trickles in.

Now after this, i had to get in the moment to enjoy the show, but here is a link to take you to some extraordinary photos of the live performance. See you soon. 

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