Mbongeni Ngema’s 'The Zulu' reimagines a powerful tale of identity and resistance

The main actors in "The Zulu", Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele: Picture: Joburg Theatre

The Zulu nation is one of the largest ethnic groups not only in South Africa, but on the continent as a whole. Thus telling the story of the formation of such a significant nation is a daunting task, which culminated in the acclaimed playwright and musician Dr Mbongeni Ngema’s seminal production, The Zulu, which is currently showing at the Joburg Theatre. 

This celebrated work transports audiences into the heart of Zulu heritage, illuminating "the people of the heavens" rich cultural lineage while also echoing their resolute spirit against colonial oppression. The Zulu captivates audiences with its high energy performances, soulful music and war cries of the Zulu warriors, weaved together with the rich narrative of the Zulu nation’s history.

Evolving from a solo performance by the late Dr Mbongeni Ngema to a dynamic two-hander, this reimagined version features the acclaimed duo Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele, who breathe new life into this powerful story of identity, resilience, and cultural pride.

Directed by Sibusiso Mamba and accompanied by the evocative melodies of Maskandi legend Mfiliseni Magubane, this 3-hour long production is a tome. It elegantly weaves traditional music, dance, and oral storytelling, enhancing the audience's connection to the Zulu heritage.

The play encapsulates the journey of two Ngema brothers—one an academic and the other a tour guide in a rural Zulu museum— as they both strive to narrate the rich stories passed down to them by their great-grandmother, Mkhulutshana Manqele. Dr Mbongeni Ngema often spoke about the stories Mkhulutshana told him, particularly about the Zulu royal family, and he used her story to inspire the play.

Nhlakanipho Manqele as the academic in "The Zulu": Picture: Joburg Theatre

In a clever twist, the narrative in the reimagined The Zulu unfolds through what begins as a university lecture by Ngema’s younger brother as he takes the audience on a journey through the formation of the Zulu nation and its struggles for survival. However, the lecture is interrupted by the more expressive older brother, keen to convey their heritage in a more demonstrative manner. This engaging structure invites the audience into a dialogue, reinforcing the vital essence of oral tradition in recounting the Zulu story.

As the brothers continue to disagree on how Mkhulutshana narrated the history of the Zulu nation, they have to find common ground and work together in preserving this knowledge in storytelling. It is during a family ceremony that the academic younger brother comes to his senses and agrees to partner with his older brother in demonstrative recounting of history. Together, they embark on a breakneck speed telling of the story of the birth of the Zulu nation, from tracing the Nguni people's origins as they trekked south and culminating in a crescendo of a battle scene during the historic Anglo-Zulu war.

Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele acting as Dr Mbongeni Ngema's brothers in "The Zulu": Picture: Joburg Theatre.

At the forefront is the towering figure of King Shaka Zulu, known for his military brilliance and transformative vision that reverberated through South African history. The story stays true to recorded historical events such as Shaka's rise to power through innovation and brutal strength, the total conquest of the Ndwandwe clan, the absconsion of Mzilikazi kaMashobane, the arrest of Soshangane, and the betrayal of Shaka plotted by his aunt, Princess Mkabayo kaJama.

The narrative culminates in the historic Battle of Isandlwana in 1879, where Zulu forces audaciously defeated British colonial troops, a pivotal moment that solidified the Zulu's enduring spirit.

Shaka created many military tactics to defeat the enemy. He created the 'Assegai' (short, large bladed stabbing spear) and the lethal means to utilize the weapon. Shaka also discarded his cowhide sandals, as it hindered his movements. He proved to be a brilliant military leader and soon became a threat for his clan. After the death of his mother, Nandi, he lost his mind and in his period of grief, Shaka had hundreds of Zulu killed.

The Zulu traces the intricate formation of the Zulu nation, exploring the foundational leaders and traditional customs that shape its identity, all the way to the legendary King Cetshwayo kaMpande. Rooted in cultural heritage and historical events, the production captures the identity, strength, and enduring resistance of the Zulu people.

The production not only reflects the lineage of the Zulu nation but also serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle against colonial forces, reverberating the themes of identity and resistance through powerful performances. This synthesis of song and storytelling echoed the complexities of post-colonial existence, juxtaposing the vibrancy of the Zulu heritage against modernity's unfamiliarities within South Africa. Over the course of the performance, the notion of contradiction blossomed, both within the story and among its characters.

Abdul Khoza as a warrior in "The Zulu": Picture: Joburg Theatre.

The Zulu not only stands as a tribute to the legacy of the Zulu people but also this two-hander reinterpretation serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering one’s roots in a world often bent on erasing history. As much as this is a story about the formation of the Zulu nation, it is also a story about the Ngema family and how it has managed to pass history orally from one generation to the next using storytelling.

As audiences bear witness to this powerful and engaging tale, they are likely to come away with a renewed understanding of the Zulu nation's pride and resistance against colonial oppression. Three hours of dynamic theatre glide seamlessly between the 19th century and the modern era, illustrating that the Zulu nation’s resistance is not merely an echo of the past but a beacon of ongoing struggle against colonial legacies.

In its thematic richness, The Zulu navigates through layered dialectics—a tribute to multiple religions, languages, and conflicting ideologies in the face of colonisation. The performance encapsulates a poignant vision quest, theatrically acknowledging how the past shapes our present realities.

Maskandi legend Mfiliseni Magubane provides a musical segment and also does a cameo appearance on The Zulu: Picture: Joburg Theatre.

Ultimately, it is the vitality found in both the score and the storytelling that sets The Zulu apart as a unique exploration of South African identity. The intricate interplay of drums and voices serves not only as a celebration of cultural heritage but also as a critique of the contradictory nature of contemporary South Africa—where the resonance of history continues to inform the collective consciousness.

The Zulu is showing at the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre unitl 22 June 2025, with tickets selling for R180 each.