What Would Fela Do?

I attended the off broadway show, "Fela!" last friday. Let's just say it provided more returns for my $51 investment than expected. Some of my favorite Fela hits, including "water no get enemy," "Suffering and Smiling," and "zombie"-a sharp, gritting satire on the Nigerian terroristic-like military was played by a band that one could have sworn was sponsored by Fela himself. The show was equally visually appealing; girating females in colorful gear, men moving spontaneously and widely to the rhythm of the drums, trully capturing the spirited dance moves of Africa. And all these performed by people of mostly African american descent. Fela has become more popular after his death and will continue to remain so until his uncomprising vision for liberty and justice for Africa is realized.

Part of the theatre package included a postcard with information about Chevron's trial this October as a result of aiding the nigerian military in the shooting, injuring and killing of unarmed villagers. The subheading on the card stated: "What Will Fela Do?" We all know what he would have done but the question becomes what will we do?

To find out more about the lawsuit, visit: http://www.earthrights.org/
To sign a letter to Chevron CEO, David O'Reilly asking him to respect human lives and the environment, visit: www.ChevWrong.org/letter

And by the way, after doing that, go see the show before its closure on September 21st. It may inspire you! ;)