Rumors were flying recently that the sensational Patti LaBelle would join Broadway’s Fela! Well, call it rumor no more. Miss Patti has just signed on to take over the starring role in Broadway’s critically acclaimed “Fela!” starting in September. LaBelle will portray the main characters mother, a civil rights champion, in the story of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, who defied a corrupt and oppressive government by devoting his life and music to the struggle for freedom. His triumphant tale of courage, passion and love ignited a generation with his soulful Afrobeat rhythms. The award winning singer and actress born Patricia Louise Holte, who’s replacing Tony award nominee 2010 Lillias White, will stay with the show until January when the show closes. Although critically acclaimed with 11 Tony nominations, Fela! has not been able to make the big bucks, so the producers (Will & Jada, Jay Z) are betting on the amazing Patti LaBelle to bring in the big audiences. www.felaonbroadway.com