Jay-Z to Bring Fela! to Broadway

The extraordinary Off-Broadway play Fela! concluded its successful run October 5th at the 37 Arts Theater in NYC. Yet, the musical, based on the life of groundbreaking Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is rumored to be making its way to Broadway with the help of hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, according to the New York Post. The manner in which he will be involved is still unknown.

With its six-week limited Off-Broadway run, Fela! gained the attention of such A-listers as Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Charlize Theron, Beyonce and, of course, Jay-Z.  Roots drummer ?uestlove raved about Fela! on his Okayplayer.com blog, stating:  ”For those of you fortunate enough to see the Music is the Weapon documentary you will be amazed how they turned his story into the BEST MUSICAL EVER CREATED.”

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, Fela! features a multi-cultural cast as well as Fela’s rousing music performed live by Antibalas and other members of the New York Afrobeat community. Fela’s controversial life as an artist and revolutionary is explored through a provocative hybrid of dance and musical theater. Bill T. Jones is known for injecting his own blend of self-expression and fiercely experimental choreography into projects that push the limits. He explains why this project was such a perfect fit: “I would love for this show to introduce a new generation of theater goers and music lovers and, yes, students of history to an uncompromising sacred monster. Fela! is an opportunity for us to bring forth a blazing personality with an unbelievable story.”

The New York Post could not confirm whether Jay-Z’s involvement would be financial or not, but say that he has been spreading the word about Fela! and publicly endorsing it, which, considering his status and brand, could create enough of a buzz to breathe new life into the work.