February 18, 1978 Fela Kuti married the entire female entourage of his band in a ceremony conducted by a Yoruba priest. The group marriage lasted until Fela’s release from prison in 1985 when he decided he no longer believed in marriage and divorced the twelve wives that were still with him. A few remained part of the band and the music went on – business as usual.

Photos by Dexter Jones

photos by Terry Lovette

Dexter Jones captured the essence of what life as a wife of Fela would be like. He documented it to reflect life after death with contemporary and modern spin. Dexter is one of the upcoming underground masters of cultural arts. Born and bred in Brooklyn, NY, he has a background in poetry and performing arts. But like most artistic people, Dexter felt compelled to try to his hand at other forms of expression. Stepping away from his most comfortable discipline, poetry, Dexter decided to channel his words and voice, through the camera lens.  After shooting the Fela Kuti exhibit and being the youngest featured artist at the Caribbean Culrural Center African Diaspora Institute, Dexter vowed to always capture history, a cross so many of the great photographers before him bore. He has made it his business to document the crafts of those he strongly believes in, from the poets, artists, other photographers and designers alike.

It’s ironic, how the man behind the camera strives to capture history, without ever realizing that he’s also making history with every snap.