MINISTER of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube says the story of King Mzilikazi Khumalo speaks to leadership, courage, military skill, migration, state-building and cultural resilience, with his legacy continuing to shape the identity of communities in Zimbabwe.
Ncube said Mzilikazi’s legacy continued to shape the identity of communities in Zimbabwe, as she urged artists to use Mzilikazi: The Musical to preserve and pass the country’s history to future generations.
She was speaking on Friday evening at the Bulawayo Club during the soft launch of the musical, which is being developed by Imbongi Arts Promotion and is expected to premiere in Bulawayo in September 2027 during the birthday celebrations of King Mzilikazi Khumalo.
The soft launch marked the beginning of auditions and rehearsals ahead of the planned September 2027 premiere, which Ncube said would provide a fitting celebration of Mzilikazi’s legacy and enduring cultural traditions.
On this topic
She said a GoFundMe campaign would also be launched to allow supporters in Zimbabwe and abroad to contribute towards the project.
“King Mzilikazi Khumalo occupies a distinctive place in the history of our nation. His life speaks to leadership, courage, military skill, migration, state-building and cultural resilience,” Ncube said.
“His story is also connected to the histories of communities whose identity, traditions and memories continue to shape Zimbabwe today.”
She said the musical provided an opportunity to preserve the history of the Ndebele king beyond conventional historical records.
“History is not preserved only in books, archives or monuments. It is also preserved through music, theatre, dance, oral tradition and storytelling,” Ncube said.
“A stage production, such as this one, gives history a human voice.”
Ncube said theatre could make history more accessible to younger generations by allowing audiences to encounter the past through characters, emotion, conflict and performance.
She said Government supported initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s history and heritage, adding that partnerships between traditional leaders, cultural organisations, artists, educational institutions and the private sector were important.
Ncube particularly welcomed the involvement of the Khumalo clan, saying traditional and cultural custodians could help ensure that the production remained grounded in the memories, values and traditions associated with Mzilikazi.
She urged the production team to prioritise historical accuracy and artistic excellence.
“The story of King Mzilikazi deserves a treatment that is compelling, respectful and worthy of the audiences it seeks to reach,” she said.
Ncube also encouraged the producers to use the project as a platform for developing young talent in acting, music, dance, research and technical production.
“Let this project become a training ground for emerging actors, musicians, dancers, researchers and technical practitioners,” she said.
She said the creative sector could contribute to employment, skills development, tourism and local economic activity, positioning Bulawayo as a centre of cultural enterprise.
Ncube called on individuals, corporations and businesses to support the production as sponsors and strategic partners.
Leave a Reply