Fela: Still Winning Awards Even in Death

Years after the death of AfroBeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his life and works have refused to die. Different parts of his life are constantly being re-invented. This goes to show that the late performer was the embodiment of talents. An example of this is the hit Broadway Musical show: ‘FELA!’ which recently won three awards out of its 11 nominations at the TONY Awards in America.
The organisers of the Broadway Musical show described ‘FELA!’ as the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. ‘FELA!’ is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award winner, Bill T. Jones.
The three ‘TONY’ plaques won by ‘FELA!’ at the Radio City Music Hall in New-York where the event was held are Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical and Best Choreography category.





Rundown of other winners at Tony Awards
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play: Eddie Redmayne (Red)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play: Scarlett Johansson (A View from the Bridge)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical: Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical: Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises)

Best Play: Red

Best Direction of a Play: Michael Grandage (Red)

Best Direction of Musical: Terry Johnson (La Cage aux Folles)

Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones (Fela!)

Best Orchestrations: Daryl Waters and David Bryan (Memphis)

Best Scenic Design of a Play: Christopher Oram (Red)

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Christine Jones (American Idiot)

Best Costume Design of a Play: Catherine Zuber (The Royal Family)

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Marina Draghici (Fela!)

Best Musical: Memphis

Best Book of a Musical: Memphis

Best Original Score Written for the Theater: Memphis

Best Revival of a Play: Fences

Best Revival of a Musical: La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play: Denzel Washington (Fences)

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play: Viola Davis (Fences)

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical: Douglas Hodge (La Cage aux Folles)

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones (A Little Night Music)

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Neil Austin (Red)

Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Kevin Adams (American Idiot)

Best Sound Design of a Play: Adam Cork (Red)

Best Sound Design of a Musical: Robert Kaplowitz (Fela!)

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater: Alan Ayckbourn and Marian Seldes

Regional Theater Tony Award: The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

Isabelle Stevenson Award: David Hyde Pierce

Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theater: B.H. Barry and Tim Viola.