Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada head to Broadway to produce ‘Fela’

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Its official, Jay-Z will be serving as a producer for the upcoming Broadway play based on Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Fela! marks the Broadway producing debut of Smith (“I Am Legend,” Hancock,” “Independence Day”), Pinkett Smith (“Hawthorne,” “The Women,” “Matrix Reloaded”).

Producers of the Broadway venture also include Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Susan Dietz/Margaret Selby, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions and Knitting Factory Entertainment, in association with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

Music for the show has been aranged by the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra who have previously contributed to albums by Foals and TV On The Radio.

The play is slated to begin its run on November 23.

Jay-Z has cancelled the remaining 2009 dates of his ‘Blueprint 3’ tour. The rapper’s camp claim the cancellations were caused by a scheduling conflict and refunds would be available for fans.

Jay-Z will return to the road in 2010 with Young Jeezy.