Linda Ximba
The musical, Music in the Air is set to return to theatres in Durban after nine years.
Created by Afro-soul musician Joel Zuma and directed by actor Mncedisi Shabangu, the play depicts life under apartheid through music.
Zuma will also star in the musical, playing a record label owner who has returned to South Africa after a long absence, only to find that everyone around has forgotten the music which informs the country’s heritage.
Zuma said that he felt there have not been enough shows in the country that have told the story of apartheid from the 60s and 70s era.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa after conducting auditions at Bat Centre in Durban, Zuma said: “Through this show we are attempting to bridge the generation gap.”
He said his musical decisions have been motivated by the role music has played in South Africa’s history of activism.
“The artists from the 80s fought the system through music so the audience will be treated to sounds from bubble-gum, reggae, mbaqanga and traditional,” he said.
Music in the Air has a rich soundtrack including hits like MamaLand by Yvonne ChakaChaka, My Black President by Brenda Fassie, Savuka and Johnny Clegg’s Asimbonanga, We Miss You Manelo by Chico Twala, Prisoner by Lucky Dube and PJ Powers’ Jabulani.
“We want the audience to visualise what the country was like back then through watching the musical that will be effortlessly and meticulously delivered,” Zuma added.
Zuma cut his acting teeth with Ukhozi FM radio dramas and his voice earned him several parts in shows at the Barnyard Theatre as well as a role in the American tour of Eager Artists.
He has landed lead roles in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet, and in Amadeus. His musical theatre accolades include Red Coat Tale, Peace in the Valley, Shaka Zulu and Jock of the Bushveld, among others.
He appeared in the film Finding Lenny and the British TV series, Mad Dogs and has appeared in several shows on SABC1.
