Watch Finding Fela

Finding Fela is a captivating 2014 documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti. Directed by Alex Gibney, the film combines archival footage, interviews with family and colleagues, and performances by Kuti and his band, in order to paint a vivid portrait of one of Africa's most influential cultural figures.

The film opens with the sights and sounds of Lagos, Nigeria in the 1970s, as Kuti's Afrobeat music blares from the speakers of a car driving through the streets. The viewer is introduced to Kuti through interviews with his children, Yeni and Femi Kuti, both of whom inherited his musical talents and continue to perform his music to this day. They describe their father as a charismatic man who inspired both fear and respect in those around him, and who remained defiant in the face of government repression and societal norms.

The documentary then delves into Kuti's upbringing, tracing his roots to a large and influential family in rural Nigeria. Kuti's parents were both involved in the Nigerian independence movement, and their activism inspired him to use his music as a means of political protest. He began his career in the 1960s as a jazz musician, but soon found his own unique sound by fusing Afrobeat rhythms with political lyrics that spoke to the struggles of the Nigerian people.

Finding Fela takes the viewer through the highs and lows of Kuti's career, including his rise to fame both at home and abroad, his clashes with the Nigerian government, and his numerous arrests and imprisonments. The film highlights Kuti's uncompromising approach to his music and his politics, and shows how he remained committed to his beliefs even in the face of immense pressure.

One of the most fascinating parts of the documentary is its exploration of the role that women played in Kuti's life and music. Kuti was known for his prodigious sexual appetite and his relationships with numerous women at once. However, the film also shows how many of these women were collaborators and muses for Kuti, and how they contributed to the creation of his music and to his political movement.

Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to some incredible performances by Kuti and his band. The music is energetic, complex, and infused with a sense of urgency and political purpose. The viewer can see the powerful effect that this music had on audiences, both in Nigeria and around the world.

Finding Fela ends by examining Kuti's legacy, and the impact that his music and his activism continue to have today. Despite his untimely death in 1997, Kuti remains an icon of African music and a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. The film shows how Kuti's message continues to resonate with people today, and how his music remains a powerful force for change.

Overall, Finding Fela is a rich and engaging film that does justice to the life and work of one of Africa's most important cultural figures. It combines compelling interviews, stunning archival footage, and incredible performances to create a portrait of a man who used his music to fight for justice and equality. Anyone with an interest in African music, activism, or history will find something to appreciate in this excellent documentary.

Finding Fela is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 64.