Johannesburg Sunday World: Sidwell makes history with Shaka musical (will coincide with the Human Rights weekend on March 21 and 22).

J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo  (b. 1932)
South African Composer, Arranger & Choral Director

Professor Emeritus of African Languages
Featured at AfriClassical.com     

Ushaka KaSenzangakhona: An epic in music and poetry on Shaka, son of Senzangakhona
National Symphony Orchestra of SABC
Robert Maxym, Conductor
Mzilikazi Khumalo, Choral Director
Sony CDCSL 8047 (1997)

Excited: Sidwell Mhlongo is the first black conductor of King Shaka orchestra

Johannesburg Sunday World

Feb 17, 2015 | BOITUMELO TLHOAELE |

CHOIR king and radio presenter Sidwell Mhlongo will be the first black person to conduct the musical production uShaka KaSenzangakhona taking place at the Joburg Theatre next month.

The production, which was first performed in 1994, will take place for two days only and will coincide with the Human Rights weekend on March 21 and 22.

Mhlongo (43) said: "It has always been conducted by European conductors... and I'm excited because it makes me feel that I'm part of history, at least I'm contributing towards history."

UShaka KaSenzangakhona has travelled across the globe over the years and received rave reviews. It was first conducted by American maestro Robert Maxym.

Maxym was involved in the project through a collaboration between composer and educator professor Mzilikazi Khumalo and poet Themba Msimang.

Khumalo penned the music for the orchestra production and for the past 21 years it has been performed by different orchestras as well as soloists.

This time around it will feature the Gauteng Choristers together with seasoned singer Sibongile Khumalo.

Mhlongo said that the production seeks to take forward the ideals of the historic military genius Shaka.

"The message is that of nation building, that Shaka used to destroy smaller tribes so that they could become part of the bigger nation," he said.

Mhlongo, who is a also a fine tenor, has more than 25 years of experience, including working with orchestras and conducting.

Comment by email:

Hi William, Thank you for the link. We appreciate it.  Have a good day.

Boitumelo [Boitumelo Tlhoaele]