Photos: DEAD PRESIDENT – Headmistresses of State (Fela’s Queens)

With the incredible and successful FELA! on Broadway, along side Knitting Factory’s re-release of the Fela Kuti catalog, it seems like NYC is Fela crazed these days… and that’s a very good thing.  Our friend Dexter Jones hit us up with these beautiful images of the Fela Queens (*not the original Queens, but his imaginings of them), which are currently being featured at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) through Labor Day.  If you are in NY, definitely catch this exhibit, entitled “DEAD PRESIDENT: Headmistresses of State” while it’s still up.  Jones says, about his work, “One For All. Anikulapo sang and danced in the face of his persecuters. He was willing to sacrifice his life for the livelihood of his wives and his community. In return ‘Head Mistresses’ is a literal depiction of All For One. Fela Kuti was a king among queens. Mourning his death, we see here how love and loyalty can transcend lifetimes. Mr. President we salute you. Ashe.”  View more photos in the featured photo gallery after the jump.