Femi Kuti: Live at the Shrine

Shot at the Africa Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria--a venue that is a blend of town hall, church, and nightclub--Femi Kuti: Live at the Shrine captures the Afrobeat legend in one of his weekly performances of jazz-funk-African protest music. Kuti, son of the folk hero Fela Kuti--who endured incarceration, harassment, and torture at the hands of a corrupt Nigerian government, yet never stopped championing freedom and Pan-Africanism--carries on his father's cause before huge crowds who sing along with Femi's thrilling, often anthem-like songs about keeping a wary eye on the powerful, including "Dem Bobo" (about embracing democracy), "Can't Buy Me" (concerning efforts by the rich to buy loyalty), "'97" (on the death of patriarch Fela), and the self-evident "I Wanna Be Free" (to better appreciate the show, viewers are advised to turn on the English subtitles). In between songs, the film incorporates interviews with Nigerians who discuss how Africa will never be free until it sheds exploitation by native politicians and foreign capitalists. Presented in PCM stereo, DVD extras include bonus footage and performances, as well as a 14-track live audio CD. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)