Iconic drummer Tony Allen recounts how he and Fela Kuti gave birth to Africa's most exported music genre – Afrobeat.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Opiyo Okeyo

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I grew up hearing my parents play the music Fela Kuti and Tony Allen created together. To learn about Tony Allen's contribution to music and realize his story has never previously been told in this way, inspired me to reach out and see if it was possible to help with that process. With the support of Tony, his manager Eric Trosset, and David Glines, I committed to seeing it through.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The film is an inspiring and entertaining gateway toward understanding the unique contribution Africa has in the world's music cannon.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Legacy: what does that look like in real time? Music history: cross cultural connections in music innovation.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Audiences fall in love with Tony Allen's easy going personality and authenticity. Festival audiences unanimously see more on how he came to music as an African teenager in the 60s and his brotherhood with Fela Kuti.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Spark further interest in African stories.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Journalists, film festival programmers, producers.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

To inspire a larger community to want to discover and learn more about the creative individuals that helped shape the Africa we know now.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How do you develop relationships between musical subjects from different cultures and generations?

Interview: March 2019

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Birth of Afrobeat

Iconic drummer Tony Allen recounts how he and Fela Kuti gave birth to Africa's most exported music genre – Afrobeat.

Director: Opiyo Okeyo

Producer: Opiyo Okeyo, David Glines, Eric Trosset

Writer: Opiyo Okeyo

Key cast: Tony Allen

Facebook: Rest in Beats

Twitter: @restinbeats

Instagram: @restinbeats

Website: http://restinbeats.com

Other: YouTube

Made in association with: Chicago Afrobeat Project, Rest In Beats LLC