Welcome to The Shrine, home to Nigerian political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the birthplace of Afrobeat music. Played by the incredible Adesola Osakalumi, "Fela!" tells the story of the legendary musician, rebel, and father of the 1970s Afrobeat movement. This tangibly energetic musical follows Fela's journey as an artist and activist in a way that is far from that of a typical musical.

As the audience trickles in, dancers and musicians are already warming up, setting the tone for a show full of life, spirit, and passion. The music features heavy percussion and a distinctly melodic bass line while the choreography features strong, beautiful African dance with pulsating bodies and plenty of gyrations. The show is unique in the sense that the story is told almost entirely through music and dance, with Fela using most of the spoken dialogue. Rather than being a simple regurgitation of facts, "Fela!" very strategically offers a fresh insight into the life of this historic African musician.

Opposite Osakalumi is former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams, who plays Sandra Isadore, the woman who introduced Fela to the politics and rhetoric of African-American leaders such as Malcolm X and the Black Panthers. While Williams' voice is powerful, her performance is surprisingly weak in comparison to her fellow female cast members. Her dancing is not quite up to par and she lacks the strength and intensity of her dancing costars.

Osakalumi, on the other hand, delivers a stunning performance, with total immersion into the charming personality that was Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Full of humor and spunk, Osakalumi garners enthusiasm in the audience very quickly by encouraging their participation and even teaching some classic Afrobeat dance moves. The show begins with a light-hearted and fun tone, but the second act reveals the more troubling side to Fela's struggles upon returning to Nigeria.

Director and choreographer Bill T. Jones (also known for choreographing "Spring Awakening") deserves serious praise for his seamless incorporation of dance and story, a connection often lost in Broadway musicals. His dancing is always organic to the story and vice versa, allowing the audience to fully engage in the story being told. The dancing is always invigorating to watch, and each of the female dancers develops a very distinct personality that the audience grows to love. Far from the sea of chorus girls typically seen in musicals, each of the dancers leaves a lasting and unique impression.

Produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Will Smith, and Jada Pinkett Smith, Fela! is an absolute must see. A politically charged story of art as a vehicle for human rights, Fela! is a truly refreshing piece of theater with a message that should be heard by all.

"Fela!" is playing at The Ahmanson Theatre (135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012) through May 5. Tickets are $20-$85. More information can be found at CenterTheatreGroup.org.