Suffering and Smiling... the Movie
Dan Ollman, Nigeria/US 2006, video doc 65mn
A Bluemark Production
Human Rights Watch
Focusing on the legendary African singer and activist Fela
Anikulapo Kuti and his son Femi, Suffering and Smiling
depicts the impact of their politically charged music. Following Nigeria’s independence
in 1960, Fela used his songs to speak out against the country’s corrupt leaders.
Since independence the military and political elite have enriched themselves by allowing
Nigeria’s oil and natural resources to be stripped by multinational corporations with little
benefit to ordinary Nigerians. Fela gave voice to Nigeria’s disenfranchised underclass
and sang of a free and united Africa. Upon his death in 1997, Femi has continued his
father’s legacy. Equally passionate and charismatic, he sings about the dire situation
in his country, asks why the world’s most resource – rich continent has the poorest
people, and struggles to maintain a vision of better days ahead for the common people
of Nigeria.
(moffice61)
"Music is The Weapon of the Future" (Fela)
