Fela!' opens at Atlanta Civic Center

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The Broadway musical "Fela!" opened Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2011 at the Atlanta Civic Center. Performances continue through Oct. 16.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music, human rights activist, and political maverick. The Broadway musical "Fela!" is based on the life of the groundbreaking composer.

Dancers and musicians take to the stage.

Ismael Kouyate performs a rousing impression of James Brown.

Sahr Ngaujah, who plays Fela Kuti, began his career in Atlanta with the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, through 7Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points.

Paulette Ivory's character Sandra introduces Fela Kuti, played by Sahr Ngaujah, to an African-American education in world politics.

Cindy Belliot and Sahr Ngaujah perform during opening night of "Fela!" at The Atlanta Civic Center on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011.

The Tony award-wining musical "Fela!" will continue through Oct. 16 with six performances at Atlanta Civic Center.

Cindy Belliot and Sahr Ngaujah perform during opening night of "Fela!"

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Fela Anikulapo Kuti was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music, human rights activist, and political maverick. The Broadway musical "Fela!" is based on the life of the groundbreaking composer.

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