Students learn the origins of hip hop through Fela and drums

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) - Students at Pioneer High School knew right away when they sat down inside the auditorium Thursday morning they were not attending the typical school assembly.

A Disc Jockey was playing tunes the teens recognized from the radio and then suddenly the host came out and started chanting and pumping up the audience.

Mike Ellison, the emcee told the kids several artists with popular hip hop songs had been influenced by the late, great musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

While Fela! the musical is heading to Detroit, students at Pioneer got a chance to learn about the man the production is based on.

The Fela outreach troop that visited the school is comprised of Detroit-based artists.  The group is made up of musicians and dancers and they travel around the world.

Their stop in Ann Arbor is to teach the students about a key figure in African American history for Black History Month. 

The auditorium was packed with freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors who learned how the Nigerian born musician used his music to promote social change.

“We want them to be inspired. Here was a man who lived out his passion. He worked very hard, he perfected his craft," said Ellison. "Everyone here is not going to be an artist but whatever your vision is for your future, work hard go after it and get it done.”

At the end of the presentation, many students jumped on stage and took part in the dances led by African drums. 

“Oh it was amazing.  It was something new,” said senior Jibreel Hussein. “We have never had something like this ever.  It was great to learn about a different culture, and different music.”

Senior Chase Harris enjoyed participating in the performance. 

“Something like this was both educational and entertaining and I think because of that all of us really got into it,” said Harris.

The troop has two more stops at metro-Detroit high schools but they educate kids all over the world.