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Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is receiving another international spotlight after his 1973 song, ‘Gentleman’, was selected for the official trailer of Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan’s upcoming film, The Thomas Crown Affair.
The trailer, released by Amazon MGM Studios, features the Afrobeat classic as its musical accompaniment, introducing the legendary Nigerian musician’s sound to audiences ahead of the film’s cinema debut.
Originally released in 1973, ‘Gentleman’ served as the title track of Fela’s album of the same name. The song remains one of his notable works, recognised for its energetic instrumentation, prominent horn arrangements and fusion of Afrobeat, highlife and jazz influences.
Beyond its musical appeal, the track carries a strong social message. Fela used the song to criticise Africans who embraced Western lifestyles at the expense of their cultural identity. Its themes of colonial influence, self-perception and cultural imitation have continued to resonate with listeners across generations.
Jordan’s new project marks another major production in his Hollywood career, with the actor taking on multiple responsibilities as director, producer and lead performer.
He plays Thomas Crown, a wealthy art thief whose activities bring him into conflict with Nadia Bennet, portrayed by Adria Arjona. Bennet, an insurance investigator and former FBI agent, becomes increasingly involved in tracking Crown's operations.
However, the latest adaptation introduces a different dimension to the familiar story. Rather than simply pursuing valuable artworks for personal gain, Jordan’s character is driven by an interest in recovering stolen cultural artefacts and returning them to their rightful owners.
This motivation sets the stage for a tense pursuit between Crown and Bennet, as their opposing interests develop into a complicated relationship involving art, crime and questions of ownership.
The supporting cast features several established Hollywood performers, including Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira and Pilou Asbæk.
The Thomas Crown Affair is the third screen adaptation of the story. The original 1968 film featured Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, while the 1999 remake starred Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.
Jordan’s version seeks to give the familiar narrative a contemporary direction while retaining the intrigue and sophistication associated with previous adaptations.
Amazon MGM Studios is expected to release the film exclusively in cinemas and IMAX on March 5, 2027.
Fela’s inclusion in the trailer also highlights the continuing international reach of his musical catalogue. More than five decades after ‘Gentleman’ was released, its appearance in a major Hollywood production demonstrates how his work continues to find relevance in contemporary entertainment and introduce Afrobeat's cultural history to new audiences.
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