10/29/2026
CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT NIGHT?! 🔥🔥🔥
Newark, we’re STILL feeling the energy from FELA! The Concert! What a night. What a celebration. WHAT A VIBE!
From the incredible performances at our VIP reception to the sights, sounds, and flavors of our bustling vendor market, the celebration was already in full swing before the curtain rose.
But NOTHING could have prepared us for what happened next!
Duain Richmond brought the spirit of Fela Kuti to LIFE, taking the music beyond the stage and straight into the crowd! Broadway legend Lilias White surprised us by joining the cast on stage! Our youngest audience members got their moment in the spotlight, too! And the ENTIRE house was on its feet, singing, dancing, and giving every ounce of that energy right back!
The music was infectious. The joy was contagious. And the connection between the artists and the audience was something you had to FEEL to believe!
But here’s what made it truly special.
That beautiful exchange between the stage and the audience wasn’t just a magical moment. It was the very reason we created Africa on Stage in the first place.
To give our culture and the communities that keep it alive the spotlight they deserve. To celebrate African creativity in all its brilliance, while reminding ourselves that culture isn’t something we simply observe. It’s something we CREATE, SHARE, and PASS ON.
And when those children stepped onto the stage, when the audience became part of the performance, when generations came together in celebration, we saw that vision come to life.
For one extraordinary night, Newark Symphony Hall belonged to EVERYBODY. The artists. The elders. The children. The dancers. The dreamers. The entire community.
THAT’S the power of our culture. THAT’S the magic of Newark’s First Stage. And THAT’S a night we’ll never forget! ❤️
Now swipe through and relive some of our favorite moments! 📸
Were you there?! Tell us your favorite memory in the comments! 👇🏾
📸 Captured by Raymond Hagans and Alfred Sarpeh
