Nigerian Poet Chris Abani, Andrew Dosunmu Involved in New Fela Kuti Film

There's a new film in the works about Africa's most influential musical icon.

By Jamilah King Sep 16, 2013

Focus Features is developing a film based on the life of Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician Fela Kuti and already, Andrew Dosunmu has been tapped to direct the project. Nigerian writer Chris Abani is also involved in the project, reportedly having written the latest drafts of the screenplay.

Both men are Nigerian natives. Dosunmu’s most recent film was "Mother of George" and his 1999 documentary "Hot Irons" won the award for best film at FESPACO, Africa’s largest film festival.

Abani, meanwhile, is a noted poet and novelist who’s currently based in Southern California. His first collection of poetry, "Kalakuta Republic", was based on his experiences as a political prisoner in Nigeria.

The new film is based on Michael Beal’s 2000 book "Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon."

(h/t The Hollywood Reporter)