Bulawayo leadership backs King Mzilikazi musical

Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]

Bulawayo’s leadership has thrown its weight behind the new theatre production “Mzilikazi: The General Who Defied Shaka,” describing the ambitious musical as an important vehicle for preserving the history, identity and pride of the Ndebele nation.

The production, which celebrates the life, military achievements and political struggles of King Mzilikazi, received the endorsement at its soft launch held at the Bulawayo Club on August 28.

The event, hosted by veteran broadcaster and media personality Lenox Mhlanga, brought together key stakeholders, with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo, Honourable Judith Ncube appearing as guest of honour and Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart as host.

Honourable Ncube said she was honoured to be part of the occasion, describing the production as an important contribution to Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and national unity.

“I would like to begin by congratulating the entire creative team for developing a production that places one of Zimbabwe’s most significant historical figures at the centre of a major theatrical work.

“This gathering marks the opening of auditions and rehearsals, as well as the beginning of the production’s journey towards its grand premiere in Bulawayo in September 2027, during the birth and celebrations of King Mzilikazi.

“This journey is important not only to the artistes involved, but also to the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole. King Mzilikazi occupies a distinctive place in the history of our nation,” she said.

Honourable Ncube said Mzilikazi’s life represented themes of leadership, courage, military strategy, migration, state-building and cultural resilience.

“His story is also connected to the histories of communities whose identity, traditions and memories continue to shape Zimbabwe today.

“History is not preserved only in books, archives or monuments. It is also preserved through music, theatre, dance, oral tradition and storytelling. A stage production such as this one gives history a human voice. It allows audience participation,” she said.

Mayor, Councillor Coltart said the city was proud to see the production being conceived in Bulawayo, adding that it had the potential to take Mzilikazi’s story beyond the city to the rest of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.

“Tonight we gather to celebrate a story which I think is deeply rooted in everyone’s identity. The story of King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation, speaks of a visionary leader who took his people across the Limpopo, incorporated other cultures and other peoples, and built this amazing kingdom, which brought us the city of Bulawayo.

“This story is not just a historical narrative. It is something which is woven into our very identity. It is our soul and it speaks to amazing characteristics. It speaks to resilience, determination, unity and the enduring spirit of our people. It brings me pride that the King Mzilikazi play is being birthed right here in our great city,” said Councillor Coltart.

The production team is led by musician and cultural icon Albert Nyathi as executive producer, with Thabani Hillary Moyo serving as chief writer and Matesu Dube as assistant artistic director.

Beauty Ndlovu is overseeing logistics and administration, while Ezra Tshisa Sibanda is responsible for media and publicity. Mhlanga is handling stakeholder relations.

The musical will feature authentic cultural expressions, including indlamu, isitshikitsha and amabhiza dances, alongside traditional spear-and-shield choreography inspired by the period in which Mzilikazi lived.

At the launch, Moyo said the production will portray Mzilikazi as a nation-builder who brought together diverse communities, including the Khumalo, Kalanga, Nzuza, Sotho-Tswana, Venda, Tonga and Nambya, under one kingdom.

He said the musical will trace Mzilikazi’s transformation from an orphaned young man into a formidable military commander and ultimately the founder of the Ndebele nation.

The story will be presented in two parts. The first instalment, titled “The Making of a Rebel King,” explores the trauma Mzilikazi experienced following the execution of his father, Mashobane, before tracing his rise through the ranks under Zulu King Shaka.

“Mzilikazi’s decision to keep cattle collected as tribute from the Sotho king Renisi eventually places him on a collision course with Shaka. His subsequent humiliation of a Zulu envoy becomes an open declaration of rebellion, triggering a dramatic struggle between two of the era’s most formidable military leaders,” said Moyo.

The narrative then follows Mzilikazi and his followers as they move westwards, establishing a new political and military force while encountering rival African communities, missionaries and increasingly hostile Boer settlers.

Moffat features prominently in the production as a key historical figure who encounters Mzilikazi and attempts to navigate tensions between the Ndebele king and neighbouring communities.

The second instalment, “The Crown and the Schism,” focuses on succession disputes and internal divisions within the kingdom.

Moyo said Mzilikazi’s disappearance into the wilderness and the belief that he had died resulted in the crowning of his son, Nkulumane, at Gibixhegu.

“However, Mzilikazi’s unexpected return sparks a political crisis that raises questions about loyalty, legitimacy and authority. The drama reaches its climax through a royal tribunal and the destruction of the faction responsible for installing Nkulumane as king,” he said.

The production is scheduled to premiere in Bulawayo in September 2027.