The Bottom Line
Socially conscious and infectious, Femi Kuti's afrobeat grooves are impossible to resist. The documentary does an admirable job at capturing the unique spirit and setting of his legendary "Sunday Jumps." The DVD comes with a live CD that is worth the price of the set alone.
Pros
- Groovy, upbeat music that lifts spirits and shakes rumps
- Insight in the history of Afrobeat and the Kuti family
- Rare chance to see the reigning king of Afrobeat in his Nigerian home
Cons
- You'd have to be deaf not to be moved by this music
Description
- Feature film: Dir. Raphael Frydman, 87 mins.
- 46 mins of extra footage: Femi Kuti interview, "Shotan" video clip and bonus performances
- Includes CD with 14 live songs.
Guide Review - Femi Kuti - Live at the Shrine
For decades, Nigerian icon Fela Kuti revolutionized "afro-beat," a unique blend of driving funk and traditional African music that carried his message of liberation and dignity in the face of corruption. After Fela's death in 1997, his son Femi Kuti took over the afrobeat throne, and in 2000, Femi opened the New Africa Shrine in Lagos. A community center during the day and venue for ecstatic concerts at night, the Shrine is Femi's home.
Raphel Frydman's documentary features private moments with the exceedingly charismatic Femi, interviews with his family, and plenty of live footage that captures the vibrant of the music and what it means to the community. "Can't Buy Me," Femi intones while the horns propel the music forward, dancers undulate, and the crowd finds release from the troubled state of the country in the joyous celebration. Great news from a place where, against all odds, music and community matter more than sales numbers and target demographics: the songs included in the movie were selected democratically by Femi's fans.
