Jay-Z has joined the production outfit for the afrobeat musical, Fela!.

The show, which opens on Broadway on November 23, recalls the story of Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and afrobeat founder Fela Kuti.

Also known for his political activism, Kuti died in 1997.

The husband and wife acting team Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have also joined Jay-Z on the production team.

It is not clear what level of financial backing the three have provided the musical, according to the Associated Press.

Previews are now under way at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre ahead of the musical's official opening next week.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z today cancelled the last three dates on his 2009 US tour due to an “unforeseen scheduling conflict”.

(by Jason Gregory)