Jay-Z may get a Tony this year. Earlier in the week, The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards announced that “FELA!” has tied with “La Cage Aux Folles” for most nominations at this year’s ceremony. Jay has backed “FELA!” as a producer and he’s not the only one behind this play.

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Alicia Keys are also big names tied to the project. The play is one inspired by the life of Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician, inspirational activist and highly regarded talent.

One of the awards “FELA!,” was nominated for was “Best Musical Tony Award,” where it will face stiff competition from the Green Day inspired “American Idiot,” “Memphis” and “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Back in December of 2009, HipHopDX rated the play with 4.5 X’s. The Tony’s will air in June 13 on CBS.

FELA! has been nominated for the following awards:

Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical: Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Best Actor: Sahr Ngaujah
Best Featured Actress: Lillias White
Best Direction: Bill T. Jones
Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones
Best Orchestrations: Aaron Johnson
Best Scenic Design: Marina Draghici
Best Costume Design: Marina Draghici
Best Lighting Design: Robert Wierzel
Best Sound Design: Robert Kaplowitz