What have I become is that really me?
Look what I have done this is not who I wanna be
I gotta face myself gotta chase my Soul
Gotta free my mind get back my glow
I got to go
Yes I got to

The son of an activist and a minister, Fela new that his music could be used as a weapon to bring about real social and political change in his homeland of Nigeria. The post independence corruption made living conditions in the military era unbearable and became his new target. His #1 hit song “Zombie” was a vicious verbal assault against Nigerian soldiers.

The counter attack by the Nigerian government lead to a brutal fight against Fela and his people, during which he was severely beaten and his own mother sustained injuries that killed her. Talk about deep! Not only was his story new to me, but it was an inspiring show of music and dance and cultural heroism. I left the theater shoeing away “mosquitoes (soldiers)” and singing “Zombie o Zombie”, all the while shaking my bootie…Very motivational.

His mission was to force people of the time to challenge colony mentality and military authority. His message continues to inspire non-conformity and independent thinking in future generations.

With the book, the documentary, and now the Broadway production, Fela’s legacy is revived and speaks to new audiences. The intense energy and vibrant colors set the lively scene and bringing the story to life like no other. Our charismatic lead played by Kevin Mambo and Sahr Ngaujah, captivates audiences as he narrates in between scenes of electrifying showmanship and the energetic jam sessions of the music he pioneered.

So be ready to get motivated and to stand up and fight for something. It’s empowering no matter what color you are. It will touch you, resonate with you at your core, and make you MOVE! The legend of Fela lives on. Yeah-yeah!

Fela! is presented by Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and directed by Bill Jones.

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Motivational songs are big songs whether it be in the music, or in the message. They exist throughout time and across genres. You will hear them before pep rallies and at graduations. And in television and film, motivational songs are the unseen character that supports the story and helps moves it along…

A daily ritual of listening to motivational songs can be very beneficial. Anyone who has ever had to train at anything be it an athlete or a politician knows how important motivational messages can be. Staying focused and getting work done is a hard task and if a lyric gets caught in your head encouraging you to “Keep on Pushin“, that could be just the push you need.

How do they work?

Well for one thing, motivational songs captivates our minds by, as doctors have described it, as “tickling several of the most important parts of the brain in a highly pleasurable way.” It is comforting and reassuring as it divides time up in a way that makes sense to us. The tempo and beat create patterns that causes the dissonance that ultimately gets resolved in a timely fashion that we depend upon.

Another key factor is that music supports and encourages movement. We see examples of this all throughout our lives. Like when we go to work out, the first thing we pull out is our iPod with our favorite “pump it up” jams. Or, when we are doing anything laborious a work song comes in handy to keep the pace.

But, the most fascinating thing is how music conjures up memories and emotions. It creates a euphoric feeling when we listen to oldies. We remember a time when we were younger and fancy free. We relive a moment in time and feel a sense of validation.

But the most important thing is that music is for everyone and people of all ability levels can participate. Just the other day I watched that movie Young@Heart about the senior choir in Massachusetts that became a touring sensation. Singing really gave the members something to look forward to and made them feel good and happy about their lives, despite their pending health issues.

But when faced with challenges, motivational songs are recommended listening for a successful and prosperous outcome. Songs like Dolly Parton’s “Better Get To Livin” and “We’re a Winner” by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, are the kind with upbeat instrumentation that can get you up and moving with messages that are so motivational they can help you to move mountains.

from the song Zombie by Fela Kuti (Song #175)

Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go (Zombie)
Zombie no go stop, unless you tell am to stop (Zombie)
Zombie no go turn, unless you tell am to turn (Zombie)
Zombie no go think, unless you tell am to think (Zombie)

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from the song Moving On Up by Angelique Kidjo ft Bono and John Legend (Song #173)

…Just Move on up towards your destinations
You may find from time to time completions….

Just Move On Up…

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from the song Fight To Win by Femi Kuti(song #144)

If you tired of the man
If you want to change his master plan
Won’t somebody lend a hand
Fight to win

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from the song Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff (Song#140)

And I keep on fighting for the things I want
Though I know that when you’re dead you can’t
But I’d rather be a free man in my grave
Than living as a puppet or a slave

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from the song Walk Tall byZiggy Marley featuring Paul Simon (Song #126)

Walk tall, walk tall
Even if you fall get up
Stand tall, stand tall
Even if you fall get up

Life is a lesson that we must learn
If you play with fire you might get burned
If you worry too much
You gonna get stressed
So brush off the dust
And lift up your chest

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from the song “Anthem” by Brazz Tree (Song #24)

It’s not over yet,
It’s just waiting for your yes

(no audio or video available at this time)

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