He owns his own record label. He started his own clothing line. He raps. He produces. He mentors and develops young, talented artists. And oh by the way, add Broadway producer to the list. Recently, the multi-faceted mogul, Jay-Z, has joined the likes of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as a part of some quality musical entertainment in the Broadway Production of “Fela!,” which is the celebration of the life and work of a truly great human being, the late Nigerian composer, performer, activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Being inspired by his music, as well as the life of Kuti, Jay said this job as producer was one that he could not pass up. In an interview with MTV news, he also had this to say.
“It’s an inspiration, about the power of music. Here’s a guy that’s on the other side of the world who was influenced by James Brown, who takes this thing and makes his own sort of genre of music. I just think it’s fascinating.”
The musical portrays the amazing artistry that was pioneered by the innovator of Afrobeat, including his journey with his music and also his political activism. “Fela!” was written by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, who also had his hand in the choreography. Kuti’s original pieces were performed by members of the Brooklyn Afrobeat orchestra Antibalas.
Along with the Grammy award winner, another member of the hip-hop community, ?uestlove of the Roots held an intense passion for the musical, as well as the works of Kuti. He proclaimed that “Fela!” was the best musical he had ever seen and encouraged anyone and everyone to see it.
“Moved to the point that I blogged about it for hours, and then when the producers read my blog, they so graciously asked me to go out and bat for them and grab any of my friends that make over nine to 10 figures a year to come and lend their ‘muscle,’ ” ?uestlove told MTV news.
I guess you could say Jay heeded the prompting. Along with fellow celebs such as Ben Stiller, Harry Belafonte, and Gayle King, Jay-Z attended the opening of “Fela!” on Monday evening, just one night after lighting up the stage at the AMA’s.
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