Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart says the city is in support of the planned Mzilikazi: The Musical, noting that the production has potential to position Bulawayo as a regional hub for cultural tourism and creative enterprise.
Coltart was speaking on Friday evening during the soft launch of the musical, where the production team officially began its journey towards the planned September 2027 premiere.
The musical, being spearheaded by Imbongi Arts Promotion, seeks to tell the story of King Mzilikazi Khumalo, founder of the Ndebele nation, through theatre, music and dance.
Coltart said the production was particularly significant because it was being developed in Bulawayo, a city whose identity is closely intertwined with Mzilikazi’s legacy.
On this topic
“I stand here with immense pride as we witness the documentation of our history. Bulawayo is the cultural capital of Zimbabwe,” Coltart said.
“Our city is not just a place of industry and commerce, it is the soul of our nation’s artistic expression.”
He said the production could create employment opportunities for artists, technicians and creative entrepreneurs while attracting visitors to the city.
“As a municipality, we recognise that film productions are economic catalysts and enablers. You will create jobs for our artists, technicians and creative entrepreneurs and, in turn, you will bring to the spotlight this historic city,” he said.
Coltart said the project fitted into the city’s vision of positioning Bulawayo as a centre for cultural tourism and creative enterprise.
He drew comparisons with the South African television series Shaka iLembe, which has generated interest in pre-colonial African history beyond South Africa’s borders.
“We have seen how Shaka iLembe has created a hype even beyond South Africa’s borders. In that production we are introduced to Mzilikazi and I believe your production has the capacity to create a narrative that will immortalise King Mzilikazi,” he said.
The mayor further challenged the producers to ensure that the project moves beyond the launch and is delivered according to its announced timelines.
“My hope is that this is not just going to be a Bulawayo production but a national project which validates memory studies,” Coltart said.
“As you launch this production, you have placed yourself in the spotlight. What Bulawayo residents and the nation at large want to see is the delivery of the project as per your timelines.”
He congratulated the Khumalo clan, cultural custodians and Imbongi Arts Promotion executive producer Albert Nyathi for spearheading the project.
Coltart said the involvement of the Khumalo clan was important in ensuring that the production authentically captures the life and legacy of Mzilikazi.
He expressed hope that the musical would inspire young artists, strengthen cultural pride and contribute to Bulawayo’s economic development.
Leave a Reply