VIDEO: Gospel musical returns to State Theatre

Mzansi Fela Festival has become one of the premier events on the South African arts calendar.

November 24, 2017

Thato Mahlangu 2 minutes read

Cast members performing during the rehearsal of the musical. Photo: Supplied.

Demonstrating a purpose-driven church has inspired Zakhele Mabena to write gospel musical, Isambulo.

SAST_PR: RT artslinkcoza: ‘Isambulo’ musical to launch Mzansi Fela Festival sastatetheatre https://t.co/BoKg8Hk6jY pic.twitter.com/Kjws7NoN5C

— SA State Theatre (@sastatetheatre) November 23, 2017

The seasoned theatre practitioner told Rekord this week that the musical will change people’s perception about church.

In the wake of charismatic churches that feed congregants snakes and make them drink petrol, Mabena said he felt compelled to tell a different story, one that would make people aware that there were churches which were not businesses.

ALSO READ: Songs of praise for gospel lovers

“There are still churches that worship and praise God and their job is to be a pillar of the community,” he said.

“And the musical will reinforce those ideas about the church.”

#Isambulo is a clear dramatisation of what you would find in different South African churches TICKETS: https://t.co/WPqihUNMvU #MzansiFelaFestival2017 pic.twitter.com/nYv513K3jT

— SA State Theatre (@sastatetheatre) November 22, 2017

The musical is part of the annual Mzansi Fela Festival at the State Theatre.

The multi-Naledi award winning producer said: “I have worked in different theatre productions and winning these awards really humbles me. It says my work is being recognised.”

Isambulo, which means revelation, features some of South Africa’s well-known musicians and actors like I Want To Sing Gospel talent show winner Nhlakanipho Cele and Simphiwe Mini, Busisiwe Sibiya, Mathapelo Masilela, Maira Skosana and Pascaline Modiba.

ALSO READ: Music is food for this Mams singer’s soul

The 24-member cast, accompanied by a five piece band, brings the African culture of worship on a typical Sunday to the stage.

“This musical is a dramatisation of what you would find in different South African churches. It embraces diverse ways in which different churches worship God,” Mabena said.

As part of #MzansiFelaFestival – the musical #Isambulo opens on 1 Dec in Drama Theatre. You can't miss this one BUY: https://t.co/ST45BSrSRv pic.twitter.com/lkwEdEZIHS

— SA State Theatre (@SASTwriter) November 1, 2017

“This is the kind of show that reaches out to any person of any age beyond race or denomination. The show is full of spiritual life and charisma and speaks to every soul and I’m glad to have partnered with Radio Pulpit in this season.

In 2016 Isambulo wowed audiences during its two-night teaser performances and its producers will hope they can draw from that goodwill for this full run that ends on 23 December.

The Mzansi Fela Festival line-up also features the multi-platinum selling Thandiswa Mazwai Live in concert on 8 December with legendary jazz duo Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu setting the stage on fire on 17 December.

Hot off the press! Isambulo, the musical is hitting the stage like there's no tomorrow. You don't want to miss… https://t.co/pKsALzm57I

— Pretoria.co.za (@pretoriacoza) October 23, 2017

The festival has become one of the premier events on the South African arts calendar.

“For the past 10 years, this festival has provided a platform for local, national, distinguished and new talents grace our stages or discovered. The festival encompasses music, theatre, dance, comedy and poetry,” said State Theatre spokesperson Thakgatso Setseta of the festival that has grown to a 20-day affair from its five-day beginnings.

“We now attract an audience of more than 10 000 people annually.”