Kimberley artists’ talents come full circle

IN WHAT can be described as coming full circle, two internationally acclaimed Kimberley artists, Monwabisi “Bisi” Bangiwe Ka-Jobela and Mkhululi Mabija, have been entrusted with the responsibility of being part of the creative team for the first-ever Lion King Junior theatre production.

The duo recalled the day they received a call from Walt Disney in the United States, inviting them to be the creative minds behind the first all-child cast of the world-renowned production.

Mabija, an internationally recognised librettist and musical theatre writer, said that both he and Bangiwe Ka-Jobela were in Kimberley when they got the news.

“We were busy rehearsing for a show we were doing for the Grahamstown Arts Festival when we got the news from Disney. Bisi was already acquainted with The Lion King as he was cast for The Lion King in 2007. was also selected for that production at the time, but I could not join them as I was working on another show internationally,” said Mabija.

“The brief from Disney was that this ensemble would solely comprise young children and they wanted us to collaborate with the National Children’s Theatre. Though The Lion King is famous throughout the world, there has never been a solely children’s cast portraying the story. We were very excited and honoured to have been chosen to carry out the task,” he added with a smile.

Bangiwe Ka-Jobela, who has an impressive list of national and international choreography accomplishments, shared that he had been cast in The Lion King in 2007 and never imagined that his skills and passion would one day lead him to train a new generation of performers.

‘When I was younger, I was treated to see The Lion King live in a theatre. I had already watched the show on television, but never saw it being performed live in a theatre. I was still very young at that stage and had such goosebumps when I heard the song, ‘The Circle of Life’, while I watched the show. At that stage, I could not explain the emotions I was feeling,” said Bangiwe Ka-Jobela.

“Years later I went to study at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and that was when I met with Mkhululi, because we knew each other from Kimberley. My friends always knew I loved The Lion King, but it was one of those things that just linger in the back of your mind. It was not something I pursued actively.

“I continued with my studies and later got work where I travelled to Cape Town to perform in a show that side. In 2007, I got a call from the respected producer and playwright Duma Ka Ndlovu, who had created the television shows Muvhang and Imbewu. He said he wanted to offer me a role in The Lion King South Africa. I could not believe it. I was elated to have been chosen to be part of the cast.

“We started rehearsals and a new theatre had to be built. I was part of the cast that performed at the then-newly-built Montecasino Teatro. I was chosen to be dance captain and I was the first African dance captain. Back then the show had travelled all over the world and it was being hosted in South Africa for the first time and I was the first African guy leading the dance team. It was such a sanctified experience of firsts.”

He added that the Diamond City was now not only being represented by themselves behind the scenes, but some of the young cast had roots in the city.

“We had to select 50 schoolchildren to be part of the cast. We selected children from very different backgrounds but tested them on their respective talents. We had children who were from schools in the locations in Johannesburg and had amazing voices. Others were from well-off schools and had amazing dancing skills. Our cast comprised a diversity of children from very different backgrounds, but whose talents were magical on stage. One would never be able to tell that those children were not raised in the same environments.

“Among the talented cast, we had three children who also hail from Kimberley. Multi-award-winning South African songwriter and singer Puleng March’s two children, Xabiso and Unathi, were part of the cast, as well as South African theatre actress Foxi Riet’s daughter, Olwenthu … It was so heart-warming to see the unending talents of these youngsters being displayed on stage.”

Mabija said that the entire cast gave their all to the production.

“The cast put their hearts into this production. We had an intensive 10-day rehearsal in September. Afterwards, we were shocked to see what talents, even skills and talents we did not know they had inside of them, they were able to bring forth. It was amazing to witness. It was as if the children crept into our heads and hearts and brought that visual to life on stage. They exceeded all expectations, which was something we had prayed for since the start,” he said.

Bangiwe Ka-Jobela reflected on the experience as a sacred one.

“This is a testament that there was definitely a higher power that showed Mkhululi and myself great favour. Out of all the international and national creatives that could have been selected for the introduction of this production, two men from Kimberley were selected. We had to fight nobody for this opportunity and this opportunity hunted us down while we were busy doing what we love. This is once again evidence that when you pursue your true highest calling, your talents will ensure that your name is mentioned in high offices,” he said.