A powerful, immersive theatrical experience that offers a compelling look at post-independence Africa, exploring themes of greed, corruption, abuse of power, underdevelopment, and the enduring relationships between African leaders and their former colonial powers
FROM its celebrated performances across Lagos, Abuja, South Africa, and Egypt, and its last international run in Dubai in 2021, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions is set to re-stage the highly anticipated return of its groundbreaking musical theatre production, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens at Theatre @Terra Kulture Arena, at Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. There will be 11 spectacular shows running from Friday, December 26 to 30, 2025, and Thursday, January 1 to 4 and 10 to 11, 2026, with two shows daily at 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm respectively.
The musical theatre recently marked a historic milestone with a special performance on October 1, as part of the official reopening of the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, in celebration of Nigeria at 65. The event had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance.
Directed by the acclaimed ‘Queen of Theatre in Nigeria’, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens brings to life the revolutionary music, activism, and story of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, while celebrating the fearless women of who inhabited Kalakuta Republic and made it thick. This restaging of Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, though unrelated, comes in the heels of the 3-month long celebration of Fela enduring legacy that started with Felabration in October and merged with ‘Afrobeat Rebellion’ that ended on December 20. Indeed, the re-enactment of keys into the Fela cultural phenomenon that has given birth to the global music genre now known as ‘Afrobeats’.
Fela and the Kalakuta Queens is a powerful, immersive theatrical experience that offers a compelling look at post-independence Africa, exploring themes of greed, corruption, abuse of power, underdevelopment, and the enduring relationships between African leaders and their former colonial powers. These messages, woven through the legendary King of Afrobeat music, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, remain as relevant and impactful today as they were during his lifetime. Fela was recently awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Awarded for the 2026 Grammy Awards by America’s Recording Academy, which described Fela as “an architect of Afrobeat, honoured for a lifetime of influence.”
At the heart of the story is the extraordinary bond between Fela and his women, who left their homes to follow him and believe in his vision of building a better community through arts and music. The musical also highlights the lives of these women, providing a rare glimpse into the gender and power dynamics of the Kalakuta Republic, while celebrating their fashion, dance, and African identity, and challenging common misconceptions about them.
Directed and produced by Mrs. Austen-Peters and co-produced by Mr. Joseph Umoibom, this theatrical gem features a powerhouse cast including ‘Laitan Adeniji, who plays the lead role of Fela, Osas Ighodaro, who is the first-ever Malaika, Yewande Osamein (Malaika), Bunmi Olunloyo (Lamile), Sharon Adaeze (Laide), Inna Erinze (Funmilayo), Linda Nwanneka (Ihase), Josephine Ewuru (Adejonwo), and many more stellar cast members.
Now, the story returns to Lagos, where Fela’s legacy was forged, bringing renewed energy, deeper storytelling, and a richer theatrical experience. Building on the global journey that captivated audiences across continents, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens promises a vibrant, electrifying, and unforgettable festive season experience. For first-time audiences and returning theatre lovers alike, the production celebrates music, culture, resistance, and legacy in a way that only live theatre can deliver. Tickets are available at www.terrakulture.com. Stay updated by following @TerraKulture and @BAPProduction on all our social media platforms, including Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.