J.J. Brown's Story: "Music is the weapon of the future!"

Prophetic words from the late great Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat! Music is in fact the weapon that has proven a stronger source of inspiration for social change and political awareness than maybe any other creative medium throughout history. What do voices like Bob Dylan, James Brown, Bob Marley, Ice Cube and Public Enemy have in common? A passion for making music with a message, and all of them have Fela Kuti to thank for helping pave the way...

?uestlove on Fela Kuti from Fela Kuti on Vimeo.
Watch as ?uestlove from The Roots finds the
influence of Fela Kuti in today's musical landscape!

Whether it's the driving drums, the rolling bass lines, or the powerful lyrics in Fela's works, he found a way to draw the listener into his world and make them ultra-aware of his surroundings. His stage shows at his famed Afrika Shrine nightclub in Nigeria were the icing on the cake, and if you weren't fortunate enough to be a part of that scene, you're in luck... the Eugene O'Neil Broadway theater in New York City has been re-imagined as The Shrine, and houses the Tony Award winning musical FELA! for the experience of a lifetime six days a week!

Some of you may know that I grew up in The Big Apple's performing arts community. I've always celebrated each aspect of creative expression, and it's no different with my love for theater. I performed in many dramas and musicals, as well as commercials and films, and when I was just thirteen my father realized my attraction to the budding world of hip-hop and bought me my first drum machine and DJ set-up. A music producer was born. Over the years my music production career began to take precedence over my acting endeavors, but I never lost touch with that side of what makes me who I am. My work with recording artists ranging from louis logic and Mr. Cheeks to remix projects with Ludacris and Gym Class Heroes have all been shining examples of my ability to combine dramatic melody with theatrical stories of hardship and triumph, sound familiar?

This is my story...

It is my great honor to announce that I have been chosen as an official Ambassador to FELA! on Broadway, and not only has it afforded me the opportunity to form a relationship with the cast and all the amazing people who make this show possible, but I can also pass ticket price savings on to you, my friends and supporters, so that you too can witness the life story of Fela Kuti and his dancers and band, live on stage, for a life changing, one of a kind exhibition!

Here I am with the genius that is Sahr Ngaujah,
one of two incredible performers
who portray Fela Kuti on Broadway!

To see this groundbreaking musical for a fraction of the price available to the general public, all you have to do is click HERE. As you'll read, the legendary Ms. Patti Labelle will be joining the cast in the roll of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Fela's mother) on Sept. 14th, so see the show now and again in a few weeks, because either which way you will walk out of that theater with a new found respect for Fela's music, the art of dance, the thunder of pulsating Afrobeat music, and a better understanding of the power of live performance than you will find anywhere else on "the great white way." Trust your man when I say that FELA! on Broadway is the definition of a memorable night out in New York City.

Bonus content:

Here's vintage J.J. Brown circa 1987 in a Fisher Price "Sun Jammers" commerical... I was stuntin' in fly shades and watches even back then haha. I got the first verse: