Tsidii Le Loka

Tsidii Le Loka is the first African artist in New York City history to be granted a MAYORAL PROCLAMATION by New York City’s Highest Office, in recognition of her work as an artist and humanitarian. Presented by MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO at his residence at Gracie Mansion on African Heritage Day, Wednesday 26th September 2018 has been proclaimed “Tsidii Le Loka Day” in New York City!

She is the creator of the iconic lead role of “Rafiki” in the original production of THE LION KING ON BROADWAY; and the memorable lead voice heard by millions on the hit song “CIRCLE OF LIFE” (Grammy-Award winning original cast CD of “ The Lion King on Broadway”). She is an international Award-winning vocalist, composer, actor and speaker, and winner of several top international awards including a Tony Award Nomination and The Ivor Novella Award for Achievement in International Musical Theatre. Ms. Le Loka is the first South African woman to win The Ivor Novello Award, an award presented by The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.

Born in the Kingdom of Lesotho, she grew up in both Lesotho and South Africa. A daughter of both cultures, she was the only performer invited to perform at NELSON MANDELA’S first International Press Conference in Johannesburg after his release from prison. Additional top international industry awards include THE OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD, DRAMA DESK AWARD, DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD, for Outstanding Performance in a Musical (for originating the role of "RAFIKI") in THE LION KING ON BROADWAY. She was the only lead performer in The Lion King on Broadway to be also involved in the creative process, and her composition, “Rafiki Mourns” is included in the Grammy Award winning original cast CD.

She has shared the stage and / or recordings with a roster of world-class stars such as STING, ELTON JOHN, MADONNA, HARRY BELAFONTE, MIRIAM MAKEBA, DIONNE WARWICK, YOUSSOU N’DOUR, ROBERTA FLACK, MAX ROACH, YUSEF LATEEF, BILLY TAYLOR, LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO and many more. Tsidii has collaborated and performed as special guest star in productions including the Irish Dance Company, RIVERDANCE ON BROADWAY and the Spanish Dance Company, MARIA PAGES FLAMENCO COMPANY.

Her TV credits include lead roles in two STEPHEN KING made-for-television movies ROSE RED and THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER and LAW AND ORDER.

Tsidii was invited by OPRAH WINFREY to perform at MAYA ANGELOU’S 85th Birthday celebration, and later invited to perform at Maya Angelou’s Memorial service in New York sharing the platform with, amongst many, TONY MORRISON and VALERIE SIMPSON (of Ashford and Simpson fame).

Tsidii holds two Bachelors Degrees: BA ECONOMICS (magna cum laude / honors) from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a BA MUSIC (magna cum laude / honors) from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She also attended Berklee College of Music, Boston for extra credits. She also holds a DIPLOMA IN SPEECH AND DRAMA (honors) from Trinity College of Music, London, United Kingdom.