Fela Kuti: Father of Afrobeat (BBC2, 9.30pm)
WHEN he died, aged just 58, in 1997, Fela Kuti left an amazing legacy of work. This fascinating documentary claims the pioneering Nigerian musician created a sound for a continent, which perhaps explains why more than a million people made the pilgrimage to his funeral in Lagos.
Kuti gave the world Afrobeat, but he was also a thorn in the side of his nation’s military regimes; he was a counter-cultural revolutionary whose actions, including marrying 27 women in one ceremony, caused much controversy. Even his death proved problematic – although his younger brother announced he died due to complications related to Aids, others claim there is no definitive proof of that. Those who knew Kuti as well as fans profile a complex but unforgettable performer.
Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1, 7.15pm)
THE pro-celebrities are dwindling fast – after last week’s shenanigans on the shiny floor, only nine remain. Is your favourite among them, or has the notorious and dreaded red light fallen on their shoulders, resulting in a disastrous (or, as Craig Revel Horwood might say, “disaaaaaaastrous dahling”) dance-off?
Whatever the answer, there’s still life in the old show yet, with another set of performances to enjoy. Once again, Craig, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabusi are the judges, while Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly present. The results of the vote will be revealed tomorrow evening.
The Valhalla Murders (BBC4, 9pm)
IT’S difficult to travel at the moment, but the Beeb is helping us deal with any wanderlust we may be suffering by bringing us the best foreign crime dramas around. The Danish DNA came to a conclusion last week, so tonight we’re taking a trip to Iceland instead.
It’s loosely based on a true story from the 1940s, although the action takes place in the present day. Norway-based detective Arnar is sent home to Reykjavik to help veteran police officer Kata investigate the murder of Por Ingimarsson, who has been found stabbed to death at the harbour. Por’s girlfriend, Iris, is the prime suspect, until it becomes clear the murder couldn’t have been carried out by a woman.
Jane & Friends (C5, 9.45pm)
EXPECT more singalong hits, laughs, tears, huge surprises and massive prize giveaways as “Diva of the North” and “Queen of Cruise” Jane McDonald celebrates Britain’s unsung heroes and pays homage to some of our favourite musicals.
Tonight, she hosts a party celebrating hit 2017 blockbuster The Greatest Showman, with Coronation Street and Shakespeare in Love actor Daniel Brocklebank; The X Factor winner Joe McElderry; and the Britain’s Got Talent champions in 2014, Collabro, joining her on the show.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here