Jay-Z To Use His Clout To Hype Newest "It" Play

Last weekend I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Bill T. Jones' play, Fela!, about Nigerian music legend and activist Fela Kuti. While waiting to enter the theater, I briefly chatted with someone who told me that he was part of Beyonce's crew and that she would be attending the show. If you know me, you know my interest was more than piqued, but, to my great disappointment, I never actually saw her. Fast forward to today, and the New York Post is reporting that Jay-Z and Beyonce are now obsessed with the off-Broadway production, and Jay wants to do all he can to help make it a success on Broadway. So.. I guess she was there, and she and the hubby liked it as much as I did. It deserves the A-list attention.

Sep 26, 2008 · posted by Lauren Williams, Stereohyped · Link · 7 Responses

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Tagged: Beyonce, Bill T. Jones, Broadway, Fela Kuti, Jay-Z

Comments (7)

No. 1 · AG

It was true!!

Posted: Sep 26, 2008 at 5:38 pm

No. 2 · coco_fiere

Anything about Fela and his activism through music has to be phenomenal. I hope they get enough press and interest to take this show across the country. Chicago would pack the theater out!

Posted: Sep 27, 2008 at 2:12 am

No. 3 · MAAT

Is this suppose to be a good thing? By being a long time fan of Fela I really do not think that the interest of hip hop's favorite couple will bring more interest to the play. There are so many people who are familiar with the music and the works of Fela. Connecting themselves with this play about such a great musician and man I assume is to give them some points on being intellectually and culturally aware. I find them both being such a bad cliche. I hope the message of the play is not lost by the interest of Jay and Beyonce.

Posted: Sep 27, 2008 at 11:58 am

No. 4 · zen

@ Maat
i could possibly see Jay and B causing a distortion of message if they were IN the play

Posted: Sep 27, 2008 at 4:28 pm

No. 5 · Mic Lowrey

This play is great and the dude that play Fela is like incredible and the drummer is off the hook, Talu Green, and all the dancers are nice and everythign about the play is hot

Posted: Sep 28, 2008 at 4:24 am

No. 6 · Ike

Man… I really neeeeeeeed to see this. Fela is the man! The greatest musician to emerge from Africa (in my opinion). All his songs have meaning and make a point. He is a legend. Fela 4eva!

Posted: Sep 28, 2008 at 6:39 am

No. 7 · Neenee

Questlove of The Roots wrote an article on the play like over a month ago. He was so moved that he sent an email to every friend and industry person he knew saying how moving it was and how it needed to be seen everywhere. I don't remember where he saw it; it wasn't off-broadway. So hopefully it gets all the attention it deserves. If I go to New York this year I will def. be buying tickets.

Posted: Sep 29, 2008 at 12:14 pm

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