Femi Kuti & The Positive Force will bring Afrobeat to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, June 5

To an older generation, Femi Kuti is the eldest son of Fela Kuti, Nigerian pioneer of Afrobeat, human rights activist and political maverick whose life story was told in the hit Broadway musical, “Fela!”. To a younger generation, Femi may be better known for being featured in the video game “Grand Theft Auto IV”, or for his collaboration with American hip-hop artists such as Mos Def, Common and Jaguar Wright.  This two time Grammy Award nominated and multiple Billboard World Music Award artist also toured with Jane’s Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, bringing his blend of funk, jazz, salsa, calypso and African folk to the masses.   Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force will bring their ever evolving sound to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, June 5, at 8 p.m.  And, Regardless of one’s age, there is no denying that Femi is a worthy successor to his father’s legacy.  

Getting back to his Afrobeat roots is the central aim of Femi Kuti, an Amnesty International Ambassador, who continues to expand the diversity of his artistry on his new album No Place For My Dream. As part of the Palm Bay International World Beat Series, each ticket holder can take part in a wine tasting courtesy of Palm Bay International in the lobby at 7:15 p.m.Or, enjoy dinner out before the show atPiccolo’s Jazzeria (24 Prospect Street, Ridgefield) and get a free glass of wine the night of the event when tickets are presented.  The media sponsor is WFUV.

Biographer Nige Tassell pinpointed Femi’s talents:  “…a man committed to redefining Afrobeat for a new century and a new audience. Rather than repeat and re-heat the sprawling, open-ended epics of the past, this is a charismatic bandleader who's streamlined Afrobeat's sound, making it punchier, more immediate, more up front and personal. With the unfailing assistance of his ever-dynamite Positive Force band, the message is shorter and sharper, but always says what needs to be said. By doing this, Femi manages a neat three-way trick -- firing up the head, the heart and the feet. “

For tickets ($45), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, in Ridgefield, CT.   

*                                                              -- Photo by Youri Lenquette