Andrew Dosunmu will direct Focus Features’ drama Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer and human rights activist who rallied against the corrupt Nigerian regime of the 1970s.

The project is currently in development and will chart the life of the Nigerian, who fashioned a musical style that is said to continue to influence contemporary hip-hop.

Dosunmu (pictured) most recently directed the Sundance release Mother Of George.

Lydia Dean Pilcher and Leigh Blake will produce the Cine Mosaic production. Nigerian poet Chris Abani and Focus CEO James Schamus adapted the screenplay from Michael Veal’s 2000 book Fela: The Life And Times Of An African Musical Icon.

Focus evp of international production Teresa Moneo will supervise Fela Kuti for president of production Jeb Brody.

 

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