Mandoza fans can celebrate his legacy with “Nkalakatha - Road to 25 Years” at Soweto Theatre in a not-to-be-missed musical on the anniversary of his death.
The kwaito icon, fondly remembered for his hit song “Nkalakatha”, left an indelible mark on the industry with his infectious beats and empowering lyrics.
His music transcended race and language barriers. Sadly, he passed away on September 18, 2016, following an ongoing battle with pharyngeal cancer.
In a chat with Mandoza’s widow Mpho Tshabalala, who oversees the Mandoza Foundation, said she couldn’t think of a better time to celebrate his legacy.
Having recently appeared as part of the cast in Showmax’s “Widows Unveiled”, she added: “The experience with my fellow cast members was good as I learnt that when you think you are going through a lot as a widow, there are others that are going through the same, if not more or worse!”
Creator and founder Todd Twala scripted the musical theatre production with Tokollo Tshabalala and Tumelo Tshabalala channelling Mandoza.
Mpho continued: “It will be 25 years next year since the release of ‘Nkalakatha’. The song united nations, globally. The show is a musical called ‘Road to 25 Years’. The song is legendary and why not continue with its legacy and celebrate Mandoza?”
That said, the challenge was in curating the set list for the show.
“It was difficult to choose songs as Mandoza’s catalogue is vast and, therefore, I decided to go with some of his collaborations with artists that were never given enough airtime.
“It feels like a déjà vu to have both Tokollo and Tumelo playing Mandoza on the same stage but it is also amazing as they are doing what they love.”
Elaborating on her role in the show, Mpho said: “I am an executive producer. I assisted with the script writing and I have a mini surprise role.”
She added that this production was about hope. “Not all is lost when you have lost a loved one, let’s learn to preserve our legacies,” she shared.
On the topic of legacy, Mpho was asked how they will be taking it forward, this show notwithstanding.
“Mandoza’s legacy is of a true meaning of Indoda ingawa namhlanje kusasa iphinde ivuke (A man may fall today, but he will rise tomorrow).
“We have plans to take the musical to other provinces, when we get funding to do so, as we understand that Mandoza’s legacy is for the nation and not just Gauteng, because it unified people of different races, backgrounds and cultures.
“Travelling to other provinces will enable us to leave a mark of hope and identify and develop Nkalakathas from the different provinces.”
She continued: “There will be performances from artists that collaborated with Mandoza on his different albums and a special tribute from Mdu Masilela. My son Tumelo and Brown Dash’s son, Unathi, released a single that will be performed for the first time on the show. And we have other surprises on the night.”
Where: Gibson Kente Theatre at Soweto Theatre.
When: Wednesday, September 18, 8pm.
Cost: R300 - R500 through Webtickets.
Madha Kan (What Was)
This production explores the impact of the war on Palestine.
The press release reads: “In this touching story, Yaseen takes a close look at the effects of war on the people of Palestine. He brings to light the struggles, pain, hunger, thirst, and loss experienced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
“The work reminds us that the hearts of those affected by this brutal conflict are pure and deserving of our attention, compassion and urgent action.”
Where: Barney Simon, Market Theatre.
When: September 19 - 21, 7pm.
Cost: R100 - R200 through Webtickets. No under-16s.
Marc Eugene Lottering
If you are looking for a riotous experience, look no further than this show.
A household name in Mzansi, Lottering’s latest stand-up show unpacks his family history. And knowing him, it’s an unsurprisingly colourful one.
In this show, he leaves no stone unturned in sharing his family tree, where he was assured they were all “blonde German-Caribbeans.
A comic legend, Lottering won’t disappoint.
Where: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
When: On until September 22, 7.30pm. Times vary on the weekend.
Cost: R150 to R250 through Webtickets.
Songs Unburied
This production is touted as “an intergenerational story of re-memory, re-membering and reparation following the troubled spirit of the British Museum’s newly appointed first black curator, Rambisayi Mangosho, as she discovers the bones of an anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda in its basement”.
This sets in motion a deep dive into the past, compounded by the passing of her grandmother, who is the only person privy to her troubled dreams.
Unable to return to Zimbabwe to say goodbye to her grandmother, Rambi unpacks the meaning of “diversity and inclusion” through her understanding and history.
Working on the Great African Civilizations exhibition becomes a cathartic experience for her as she is guided by the sage advice of Tsitsi, a war veteran working as the museum’s caretaker since gaining asylum.
Where: South African State Theatre, Pretoria.
When: September 18 - 22, 7pm.
Cost: R120 - R150 through Webtickets.