King Cetshwayo musical goes to SA State Theatre

Written and directed by Mpho Jerry Pooe, the musical marks heritage month and is a tribute to Zulu King Cetshwayo who led his nation to the historic victory over the British army in the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.

“The public and young people must come and see Africans being portrayed in a positive light as evidenced in the epic victory of King Cetshwayo’s regiments against Queen Victoria’s well-armed troops,” Mpho Jerry Pooe said. “It is important for them to know and understand the history of South Africa as narrated by South Africans themselves.”

King Cetshwayo musical features such notable characters as Mxolisi Ngubane (as King Cetshwayo), Nhlakanipho Maphumulo, Xolani Henema, Stella Zuma, Msizi Shezi and Bazini Msomi.

“The musical highlights the key events of the Anglo-Zulu War, such as the victory at Isandlwana, the king’s arrest and banishment, his visit to Queen Victoria in England, and the celebration of the Zulu nation on defeating the British soldiers,” SAST said. “The story is told through multimedia, song, vibrant dance and dialogue.”

King Cetshwayo was premiered in the UK during a celebration to mark the 135th anniversary of the Zulu monarch’s invitation by Queen Victoria.

About King Cetshwayo

King Cetshwayo was born in 1826 to Mpande who was King Shaka’s half-brother. Due to the turbulence and uncertainties that engulfed the Zulu kingdom and threatened its existence, King Mpande declared Prince Cetshwayo his successor at an early stage, which was unusual for a king to do. As Cetshwayo grew older, he began to undermine his father’s authority and, following the bitter rivalry against his half-brother Mbuyazi which culminated in the Battle of Ndondakusuka in 1856, Cetshwayo assumed control of the kingdom.

Tickets for King Cetshwayo musical are on sale here and at any Pick n Pay store countrywide.