Fela!, the new musical based on the life of Nigerian composer and musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti, celebrates its opening night at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre.

The musical features a book by Jim Lewis, arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas and direction and choreography by Bill T. Jones. It explores Kuti’s controversial life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician as well as his pioneering blend of jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms that launched the Afrobeat community.

Sahr Ngaujah stars in the title role. Also featured in the cast are Lillias White as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Saycon Sengbloh as Sandra and Kevin Mambo, who alternates as Fela.