Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and academic, Mbuso Khoza will perform a gripping recitation of the historic Battle of Isandlwana in an enchanting monologue at the Joburg Theatre this weekend.

The Mbuso Khoza Institute for Culture and Heritage will revive the heroic battle between Zulu warriors and British soldiers, accentuating and dramatising the historic events by using the actual soundtrack of that significant day more than 100 years ago.

Khoza is hosting the event from Friday, 21 January until Sunday, 23 to portray the events of 22nd January 1879, while singing and interpreting Amahubo (melodic Zulu psalms).

He says the show is about reclaiming the lost heritage of the Zulu nation.

“This is a South African story of how the unity of purpose has achieved what experts would have called the impossible as Africans demonstrated their readiness to lay down their own lives in defence of their land,” says Khoza.

He adds that these historically rich traditional melodies represent a marriage between the past and present, with some perceptions about the future. The performance will showcase how Amahubo and other songs that were sung during the liberation struggle interconnect.

The show will also showcase the 100km walk by King Cetshwayo’s men from Ondini to Isandlwana before emerging victorious against a fully armed British force.

Khoza says the Battle of Isandlwana is a story of pride not only for the Zulu nation of South Africa but for the continent as well, as it marked a new era for black people and their former colonisers.

“Zulu warriors had a deep-seated desire to prevent the segregation of their country from the rigid dominance of colonialism and imperialism.”

Khoza will perform alongside the African Heritage Ensemble, which has recorded two albums of Amahubo in collaboration with Netherlands’ award-winning jazz pianist, Mike del Ferro, on their latest offering.

The ensemble has toured the world, showcasing their talent and the post-colonial history of South Africa.

The Battle of Isandlwana will run at the Joburg Theatre between Friday, 21 January and Sunday, 23 January 2022. Tickets for the show retail at R300 at WebTickets or at Pick ‘n Pay outlets nationwide.

 

Issued by the City of Johannesburg