FELA COMES ALIVE AS NIGERIA’S GOT TALENT ENTERS FINALE

Fela Anikulapo Kuti may be dead but his sprit sure lives on.

The Afrobeat legend was remembered and honoured at the final performance show of Nigeria’s Got Talent by a dance group from Ibadan, The Elevatorz.

Dressed like the Afrobeat legend, The Elevatorz danced to a mix of Western and Nigerian music before taking a switch at a mix of Fela’s songs. Their performance brought a mix of Afrobeat and contemporary dance moves.

“Well-done. That was a perfect performance,” said a happy Dan.

The season is coming to an end, and all 10 acts left brought their best foot forward for the whooping N10 million grand prize.

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BRYMO: Merchants, Dealers & Slaves [Album Review]

I thought of different ways to write about this album, and the best thing I came up with was to write based on how I felt after listening to Merchants, Dealers & Slaves. But before I go into that, let me warn you that if you are into “pangolo” music, you know – noise, sounds made by someone who sold their soul to Lucifer and now has to avoid his nightly phone calls begging for a refund, don’t read this review. Just exit this page now.

Music should make you feel, charge your emotions listening – reinforce or change them, you realized you’re not in the same mood you were when you started listening to it, which means the goal has been achieved. It’s almost like a spiritual experience. I think I had stars in my eyes the first time I listened. That was what Merchants, Dealers & Slaves did to me.

I wasn’t going to really talk about individual tracks, and all the tracks on this album are great, but some notable mentions are – Track 1 – Truthfully, which is romantic, and Brymo’s vocals leads the sensuality that the lyrics require.  Track 2 – Money is the best song on this album. I said that because it happens to be my favorite on the album. If you’re a big fan of instrumentals like I am, you will appreciate this one. Track 3 – Dear Titilope ushers in one of the biggest hits on the album, which is Track 4 – Eko. Track 2 and 3 made me understand why a fan said this album reminded him a lot of Fela. You know there is no Afrobeat without jazz, funk, highlife and vocals blended with percussion. Brymo gave us all of that and more on this album. I bet Fela is smiling at him right now. We all know how great Fela is, and for an artist in this century to be compared to a legend, is a pretty big deal. Track 5 – Grand Pa is a track that talks about his Grand father and his non-chalant way of living and now he is running out of timer because he is getting older. Another track that I really love is Track 10 – Se Bo’ Timo. The “street” translation for that is “Do You.” The message that this song passes along is for us to know who we are, who our true friends are. So, don’t be fooled because no matter how perfect you think you are, whoever will praise you, will. The ones, who will criticize you, will. Even when you fall, you are all you’ve got, so get back up and keep on moving. Life is not that hard when you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities. And that’s just to name a few. This is not an album you listen to and skip tracks.

From what I read online, this is actually his third album. I didn’t even know he had an album before “Son of a Kapenta”, his second album, which was a pretty decent album but it didn’t get the publicity that it deserved. I’m not sure why he left Chocolate City, and a lot of us even felt like he didn’t reach his full potential while he was under that label, but now Brymo has chosen the perfect time to spread his wings. There’s much more to him than an excellent voice. This album is worthy of the praises it’s likely to receive, and has been receiving. Brymo has found it within himself to make music that’s genuinely beautiful, classic and progressive. I don’t think anyone has ever doubted him as an artist, I haven’t, but now it is even more obvious that Brymo is an artist with quite a bit to say.

Overall, I rated this album a 10/10. So, as you listen to Merchants, Dealers and Slaves, close your eyes and float along because it is bound to take you to that place of eternity. There are albums that are ultimately just nice and safe, and we also have albums that will make you look up and say “Damn! That was freaking amazing!” Merchants, Dealers & Slaves is one of those albums.

Get Merchants, Dealers & Slaves here.

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Why I turned down FELA on Broadway lead role – Seun Kuti

It was a shocking revelation when Seun, scion of the late Afro-beat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, revealed that he turned down the lead role of FELA on the Broadway, the hit musical attracting high profile audience across the world, which include American First Lady, Michelle Obama, Kofi Annan, Spike Lee, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Denzel Washington, Beyoncé, Harry Belafonte, among countless others.

With three Tony Awards, financial backing and personal involvement of Sean “Jay Z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, among other notable achievements, one would have thought it a perfect platform to showcase Seun to the world, but he thought otherwise and turned down the offer to play the lead role.

Speaking on his reasons for turning down the role in an interview with an entertainment journal, E-247, SeunKuti said, “It would give ammunition to those who say I am copying my father, and also due to the demands of his forthcoming album, From Africa with Fury: Rise, recorded in Brazil and produced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds in London.

Seun, a better saxophonist than his father, took over Fela’s Egypt ‘80 band at the age of 14 and has kept the band going till now, and though the band’s leader, he is the youngest member.

From Africa with Fury: Rise is set for release in North America in June.

Story: Babajide Oyinwonuola

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DAY FELA! VISITS THE SHRINE

After 14 months run at the Broadway and London’s Royal National Theatre, FELA! succeeded in turning all its critics to fans but the crew admitted after meeting the press in Nigeria that they were yet to meet their toughest critics ever.

Bent on proving to Nigerians amongst whom Fela lived and died that they know Fela as much as any other Nigerian, the FELA! cast took on the concert space of the The New Afrika Shrine on Thursday night, 14th April, 2011, and presented a tribute concert version of the show.

Devoted Fela fans in their numbers gathered together at the shrine under the breeze of spinning ceiling fans in this steamy warehouse-like club, and fully convinced the FELA! cast knows the ways of Fela, they excitedly filmed the production on their camera phones as the smell of marijuana wafted through the air.

The performance of the FELA! cast earned rave reviews from Kuti's children, and Femi Kuti joined the cast onstage on his saxophone for an encore. "Now that you have been to the Shrine, I'm sure my father has blessed you," he said.

"It means more to us than you can possibly imagine to be here and share this moment with you," Sahr Ngaujah, who earned a Tony nomination in the title role on Broadway, told the crowd. He also wished the Nigerians luck with the presidential election set for Saturday.

The Thursday night event was a tip of what is to be expected at the at the prestigious Eko Hotel’s New Expo Centre from April 21 to April 25. The expo hall of Eko Hotel is been reconstructed to look like the Broadway theatre in New York and the build up of publicity on the show has greatly increased the sale of tickets.

More ticket outlets are now open at Victoria Island: Eko Hotel, Life House Sinari Danijo off Ajose Adeogun, Four Points Hotel, Chicken Republic Adeola Odeku Rd, Terra Kulture, Robert’s Café and Mega Plaza. At Ikoyi; Quintessence, Falomo shopping centre, Chicken Republic (Awolowo rd). At Lekki; The Hub, Palms Shopping Centre, Newscafe, Palms shopping centre. At Ikeja; Sheraton Hotel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony way, Brown’s Café, Chicken Republic (Issac John). At Maryland; Chicken Republic (Mobolaji Bank Anthony way). At Surelere; Shoprite (Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall), Chicken Republic (Bode Thomas).

Beyond the stage, a lot more activity is surrounding the FELA! show in Lagos. On Sunday, April 17, a cocktail welcome reception will be held at the Eko Hotel by 7pm-9pm. Afro Beat industry night at Tribeca will hold on April 18 by 7pm-10pm. A breakfast seccession hosted by Beetah organization will hold on April 19 at Terra Kulture by 10pm-12pm. The opening night of the show will start by 7pm at the Eko hotels on April 21. An after party Excel Louge by Mapocolo will be 10pm on April 22. The FELA! show will run 7pm on April 22, 7pm on April 23, 2pm and 7pm on April 24, 2pm and 7pm on April 25th which is also the closing night. Lagos’ FELA! experience will be wrapped up with a farewell party hosted by Quintessentially on April 26th.

FELA!, an original Broadway musical produced by Shawn ‘JayZ’ Carter and Will Smith and directed by Bill T. Jones tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms and cutting lyrics ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation.

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FELA crew arrives

We know FELA! on the broad way is big but those who witnessed the arrival of the final batch of the Cast & Crew of the award winning broadway show at the Muritala International Airport Lagos on April 13th could testify that the show is bigger than what many thought.

As part of events surrounding the show, a press Conference with the cast and crew of FELA! as well as the Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka is scheduled for this week at the EKO HOTEL.
On April 14th, a concert version of the show will be performed by the original cast of FELA! at the African Shrine. The cast insists on paying homage to the subject of this award-winning musical, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and to his family at Fela’s spiritual home, the New Africa Shrine.

On April 17 a strictly by invitation welcome reception will be held for cast and crew of FELA! at Eko Hotel. To the delight of many, the public will be treated to an Afro Beat Concert at a yet to be disclosed venue on April 18th. Beeta Oragnisation (cinema-advocacy organization) in collaboration with the Broadway will on April 19th be holding breakfast secession with talk based on propagating the cinema culture in Nigeria.

The show proper will start from April 20th with a red carpet event at the prestigious Eko Hotel and will run till April 25th. Attracting 2500 guests per show, FELA! will in all be showing 8 times with 2 shows on Easter Sunday and on Easter Monday.

In addition to the online sales, big brands like chicken Republic, Roberts Café, E-centre Yaba, Shoprite Surulere and Eko Hotels have all come on board to ease the long queue for ticket purchase as tickets can now be bought in all of these centers.

FELA!, an original Broadway musical produced by Shawn ‘JayZ’ Carter and Will Smith and directed by Bill T. Jones tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms and cutting lyrics ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation.

FELA! is one show that has taken Lagos by a storm.

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FELA! SHOW OF A LIFETIME

… Crew arrives and Schedule released.

With the Crew already in town to reconstruct the expo hall of Eko Hotel to look like the Broadway theatre in New York, FELA! is one show Lagos will not recover from in a long time.

The lengthy journey of the show in Lagos will begin on April 14 with a concert version of the show by the original cast of FELA! at the African Shrine. The cast insists on paying homage to the subject of this award-winning musical, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and to his family at Fela’s spiritual home, the New Africa Shrine.

On April 17 a strictly by invitation welcome reception will be held for cast and crew of FELA! at Eko Hotel. To the delight of many, the public will be treated to an Afro Beat Concert at a yet to be disclosed venue on April 18th. Beeta Oragnisation (cinema-advocacy organization) in collaboration with the Broadway will on April 19^th be holding breakfast secession with talk based on propagating the cinema culture in Nigeria.

The show proper will start from April 20^th with a red carpet event at the prestigious Eko Hotel and will run till April 25^th. Attracting 2500 guests per show, FELA! will in all be showing 8 times with 2 shows on Easter Sunday and on Easter Monday.

With sponsors from bigwig brands like Lagos State Government, Skye Bank, Sterling Bank, Chicken Republic, Quintessentially, Greygoose, Smooth 98.1 FM, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, M-Net, Jack Daniels, Playboy Energy Drinks and more, FELA! is indeed in a class of its own.

The online sales of tickets for the show is a novel innovation from the Broadway crew, becauses being able to buy and print your tickets online and at the same time choose your seat number makes things a lot easier for the guests. To prove that Lagosians are highly expectant of the show, Broadway officials testify that ticket sales has been awesome.

FELA!, an original Broadway musical produced by Shawn ‘JayZ’ Carter and Will Smith and directed by Bill T. Jones tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms and cutting lyrics ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation.

Lagos’ FELA! experience will be wrapped up with a farewell party hosted by Quintessentially on April 26th.

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FELA! TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

FELA! the prestigious Broadway musical not only arriving in Lagos in a big way, it will also be bringing on a new dimension to cinematic experience. FELA! in Lagos has unveiled its brand new portal which allows guests to purchase tickets, select their seating and choose select date and time to watch the broadway show in the comfort of their homes or offices.

While FELA! is still set to be performed at the New Expo Center of the Eko Hotels and suites, Lagos, Nigeria from the 20th to the 25th of April, 2011, guests will also be able to use their VISA (Verified by Visa) or INTERSWITCH cards to purchase their tickets online.

Ticket pricing are as follows; N5, 000, N10, 000 and N15, 000 (General tickets) and N35, 000 (VIP tickets). Corporate and Group ticketing is also available by emailing sales@felainlagos.com

FELA!, an original Broadway musical produced by Shawn ‘JayZ’ Carter and Will Smith and directed by Bill T. Jones is set to be performed at the New Expo Center of the Eko Hotels and suites, Lagos, Nigeria from the 20th to the 25th of April, 2011. The Broadway play which has won three (3) Tony Awards will be performed live by the original Broadway cast from New York.

To purchase your tickets online please visit www.felainlagos.com and check out our TICKETING section.

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GLO, CHICKEN REPUBLIC, STERLING BANK, HITV, M-NET FOR FELA!

Broad chested corporate bodies like Lagos State, Hi-TV, M-NET, Chicken Republic, Skye Bank, GDN, Sterling Bank, M-net, among other top brands have thrown in huge supports for FELA! an original Broadway musical produced by Shawn ‘JayZ’ Carter and Will Smith and directed by Bill T. Jones, FELA! is set to be performed at the New Expo Center of the Eko Hotels and suites, Lagos, Nigeria from the 20th to the 25th of April, 2011.

Telling the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms and cutting lyrics ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation, the cast of the Fela musical are overjoyed and excited at this opportunity to bring FELA! to Nigeria.

Described by the Times Out New York as more than a musical and an ecstatic phenomenon, FELA! opened and triumphed at London’s Royal National Theater for a three-month sold-out run. That production was nominated for three Olivier Awards, London theatre’s highest honor, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Sahr Ngaujah) and Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones).

A production of this standard brought to Nigeria by Broken Shackles Limited is sure to affect the theatre culture in Nigeria positively by broadening the scope of theater practioners in the generality. The success of FELA! internationally prompted the need to bring the Broadway show to the birth place of the Afrobeat Legend- Fela Anikulapo Kuti on which the Broadway musical is based.

According to The Broadway League, Broadway shows sold approximately $1.037 billion worth of tickets in calendar year 2010, compared to $1.004 billion for 2009, but it is being highly speculated that because FELA! Is Nigerian, its number of viewers is set to beat the international Broadway records. A proof of this is the heavy traffic at FELA! ticket centers in Lagos.

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HIGH EXPECTATIONS AS FELA! MAKES HISTORIC ARRIVAL IN LAGOS

The countdown has began for the arrival of the performance of the hit Broadway musical about the life and music of Nigerian performer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti at the prestigious Eko Hotel’s New Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria on April 20-25, 2011.

Described by the Times Out New York as more than a musical and an ecstatic phenomenon, FELA! opened and triumphed at London’s Royal National Theater for a three-month sold-out run. That production was nominated for three Olivier A

wards, London theatre’s highest honor, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Sahr Ngaujah) and Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones).

The cast of Fela! have been evoking his name and depicting his extraordinary story nightly for the past 15 months at the Eugene O’Neill Theater on New York’s Broadway. Until it’s closing at the beginning of January the Tony Award-winning production, directed and choreographed by Bill T Jones, had been seen by some 400,000 delighted theatre-goers and enthusiastically saluted by the world’s press.

The Broadway production has received numerous awards, press coverage worldwide, high profile attendance (First Lady Michelle Obama, Kofi Annan, Spike Lee, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Denzel Washington, Beyoncé, Harry Belafonte and countless others) and financial backing and personal involvement of Sean “Jay Z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith. The aim of FELA! in Lagos is to unite and connect Africans in spirit and unity, to celebrate a globally acclaimed Nigerian Musician and to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria.
Telling the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms and cutting lyrics ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation, the cast of the Fela musical are overjoyed and excited at this opportunity to ‘bring Fela home’.

For sponsorship, advertising and brand affiliation opportunities, please email sponsorship@felainlagos.com

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FELA! MAKES HISTORIC ARRIVAL IN LAGOS, NIGERIA APRIL 20-25, 2011

The hit Broadway musical about the life and music of Nigerian performer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is scheduled to be performed in his home town of Lagos, Nigeria making it the first Broadway show to be performed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

FELA!, the landmark Broadway musical, which won three Tony Awards (Broadway’s highest honor) including Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones), is coming to Lagos from April 20th to 25th. It will be performed at the prestigious Eko Hotel’s New Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. This critically lauded musical will star its original Broadway cast with Sahr Ngaujah reprising his Tony-nominated role of Fela Kuti with music provided by the internationally renowned Antibalas as well as other members of the New York City Afro-beat community.

Concurrently with the Broadway production, FELA! opened and triumphed at London’s Royal National Theater for a three-month sold-out run. That production was nominated for three Olivier Awards, London theatre’s highest honor, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Sahr Ngaujah) and Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones). This Nigerian engagement will be the first since the closing of the Broadway and London productions and the NTLive performance which was broadcast to in 370 cinemas worldwide.

The aim of FELA! in Lagos is to unite and connect Africans in spirit and unity, to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria, and to celebrate Fela Kuti, for the contribution he has made to Nigeria and the world. FELA! depicts the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro beat rhythms ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation. It is a tale of courage, passion and love featuring Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones. FELA! in Lagos is being produced by a Nigerian production company, Broken Shackles in conjunction with Lagos State Government.

Upon its Broadway opening Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote, “There should be dancing in the streets. The hot (and seriously cool) energy that comes from the musical gospel preached by the title character of Fela! feels as if it could stretch easily to the borders of Manhattan and then across a river or two. There has never been anything on Broadway like this production." The New York Post’s Elisabeth Vincentelli cheered, “There’s enough energy to short circuit Con Ed.” David Cote of Time Out New York, in giving it 5 stars (out of 5) raved, “Fela! is more than a musical; it’s an ecstatic phenomenon." And Jennifer Farrar from the Associated Press exclaimed, “An exuberant celebration!”

The English critics were equally effusive after the London premiere of FELA! One critic, Baz Bamigboye of The Daily Mail, summed up the critical sentiment with his review saying FELA! is a “groundbreaking show that shook Broadway and London’s Royal National Theatre to the rafters. Getting Brits to get on their feet and ‘get loose’ as Bill T. Jones puts it, was a rare feat. FELA! pulled it off by sheer exuberance and theatrical showmanship. At the same time, FELA! explored the soul of an artist and the darkness of a government that tried to block what Fela’s beam exposed.”

In addition to rave reviews from critics, FELA! has also won numerous awards and received standing ovations from such personalities as Mick Jagger, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Spike Lee, Ben Okri, Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, Professor Wole Soyinka, Robert De Niro, and Hugh Jackman. First lady Michelle Obama, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and President Obama’s Head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano are but three of the dignitaries who have embraced this show.

Bill T. Jones, director and choreographer of FELA!, was recently honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts award along with Sir Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey. The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded annually for exemplary lifetime achievement in the performing arts. FELA! also won two Astaire Awards for its cast and choreography.

FELA! on Broadway was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Its producers include the entertainment legends Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith.

A spokeswoman for Broken Shackles suggests that “with a series of media partners and sponsorships, FELA! in Lagos will be the most talked about show in Nigeria for years to come. We have created sponsorship, branding and advertising opportunities for those who wish to be a part of this historic theatrical event.”

For sponsorship, advertising and brand affiliation opportunities, please email sponsorship@felainlagos.com. For more information on FELA! please visit http://www.felainlagos.com

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FELA! on Broadway [photos]

11 Tony Nominations including Best Musical! The most critically acclaimed new musical of the season. His story inspired a nation. His music inspired the world. FELA! is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation.

Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award® winner Bill T. Jones. Here are some exclusive photos from FELA on broadway.

Photo Credit: Fela On Broadway

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FELA! wins 3 tony awards

FELA! is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation.
Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award^® winner Bill T. Jones.
Although FELA! on Broadway was nominated for 11 tony awards, it won 3: Best Choreography, Best Costume design and Best sound design.

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D'banj to play FELA! on Broadway

By now, you know of the $11 million Broadway musical titled 'Fela,' which documents the life of Nigerian activist and performer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The play, which officially debuted on Nov. 23, 2009- include Kuti's personal music, as well as other African, jazz and funk influences.

The show which is to run through the middle of this year has received massive love from the viewers and complaints from Nigerians. This is as a result of the fact that the two actors (Kevin Mambo & Sahr Ngaujah)playing FELA are non-Nigerians.

We were informed today that the producers have been auditioning Nigerians to play the role of FELA and that the Nigerian musical superstar Koko Master whom we all know as D'Banj might be finalizing a major international record contract.

D’Banj might be starring in the Broadway musical version of Fela! The Musical. From the available information, the show will be touring around the world soon.  Sure he's got the looks but does he have what it takes to play FELA on broadway? We'll find out in no time.

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Shawn ' Jay-Z' Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett - FELA! on Broadway

Shawn ' Jay-Z' Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith presents
FELA! on Broadway

A provocative hybrid of dance and Broadway musical, FELA! features the Afrobeat music of Fela Anikulapo–Kuti, a book by Jim Lewis and the direction and choreography of Tony® Award winner Bill T. Jones.

His Passion Ignited a Generation.
His Music Fueled a Revolution.
His Legacy Inspires the World.

FELA! uses stirring Afrobeat music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), to tell the story of Kuti’s controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’s visionary staging, FELA! is the most original new musical on Broadway.

FELA! on broadway now through June 2010. Click here for ticket info.

Venue: Eugene O’Neill Theatre - 230 W 49th St New York, NY 10019

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JayZ and Will Smith to support FELA! ON BROADWAY

Throughout his life, FELA fought for the rights of the common man, despite harassment, violence, and imprisonment at the hands of the Nigerian government. He fought the powerful people in position with his powerful music. Fela Anikulapo Kuti's music looked to the past, present, and future. His searing musical critiques of Nigeria's leadership linked the history of colonialism to present-day problems, and warned Nigerians of the dangers of continuing on that path. The founder of Afrobeat music, Fela, through words and sound, inspired musicians and visual artists in Nigeria and well beyond its borders. Although he died in 1997, his music and legacy is enduring.

As of today, baba 70 (as he is commonly called in 9ja) has gone from West Africa to West Broadway. The acclaimed Off Broadway production of “Fela!,” right, will transfer to the Eugene O'Neill Theater, with the first preview scheduled for Oct. 19 and an opening night of Nov. 23, the show’s publicist announced on Thursday. The musical, about the African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones.

Jay- Z and Will Smith are exhibiting their passion for the arts with generous sponsorship for the production of this upcoming $11 million Broadway musical titled 'Fela,' which documents the life of Nigerian activist and performer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The play, which officially debuts on Nov. 23, will include Kuti's personal music, as well as other African, jazz and funk influences.

Fela Kuti has been celebrated for his musical influence in Africa, most notably for spearheading the introduction of afro-beat music to the mainstream. He was also a well-known human rights activist, heavily influenced by the American Black Power movement, and eventually served jail time for his activism before his 1997 death from the HIV virus.

An original version of the two-hour biographical play debuted off-Broadway in September 2008 to rave reviews, but production on the new musical was temporarily halted because of financial troubles. The new and improved version of the play will be directed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones and will feature actor Sahr Ngaujah, who won praise for his role in the original adaptation. Though there have been mumblings that Jay-Z and Will Smith may step in as producers, there has only been confirmation that financial support from the two stars has kept production in motion.

Previews of 'Fela' will begin on Oct. 19 at the Eugene O'Neill Theater in New York and the show will run through April 4. See www.felaonbroadway.com for more info or CLICK to read Fela's Bio

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