Fela! Attracts a Trio of Superstar Producers in Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

The Broadway musical Fela! is hoping that the newest members of its producing team will create the kind of magic Oprah Winfrey brought to The Color Purple. After a month of previews at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, the show has attracted Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as first-time Broadway producers. Fela! is set to open on November 23, directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones.

In Fela!, which features a book by Jones and Jim Lewis, audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), in a hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater, the show explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.

Jay-Z has released the most number-one albums by a solo artist, including his most recent, Blueprint 3, released by his company Roc Nation. His hit single “Empire State of Mind” has become an unofficial anthem for the World Champion New York Yankees. Founder and chairman of Rocawear, he is also co-owner of the New Jersey Nets, 40/40 sports clubs, Translation Advertising and Carol’s Daughter skin line.

Smith is a two-time Academy Award nominee (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness) and international star whose film credits include I Am Legend, Hancock, Independence Day, Men in Black and Seven Pounds.

Pinkett Smith plays the title role and executive produces the TNT medical series HawthoRNe. She has voiced a role in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and acted in The Women, Reign Over Me, Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions.