MIRIAM MAKEBA – MAMA AFRICA THE MUSICAL. Directed by Niyi Coker, Jr, with Jennifer Pau-Kakaza, Simangele Mashazi, Phelo Nodlayiya, Princess Dyani, Tabita Khoncwana, and more. Choreography Thandi Swaartbooi.
JANE MAYNE
There’s probably some kind of shortlist to be made of mega-artists who stand head and shoulders above others in terms of contribution to our unique South African musical lexicon.
Think Busi Mhlongo, Hugh Masekela, Die Antwoord, Winston Mankunku, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda … And then, there’s Miriam.
The stuff of legends. Who’s the best? Well of course, that’s infinitely debatable.
Oddly, not enough time and effort is made revisiting our icons onstage, and maybe over time musicians on bandstands across the country could consider breathing new life into the material of our master performers.
With this is mind the Zmirage production company is staging Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa The Musical at Artscape Theatre. A bold venture, the show leans more towards theatrical musical than a bandstand showcase. As such, it will appeal more to lovers of song and dance, than to a Makeba fan hanging to work through her discography.
The production succeeds on many levels – vocally the two Miriam’s (the older played by Jennifer Pau-Kakaza and the younger by Simangele Mashazi) both deliver, evoking some of the spirit of much-loved Mama Africa. The scenes are also seamlessly stitched together – which is quite a feat considering the large cast, who don’t lack in enthusiasm, energy and commitment.
Despite the lengthy first half, they get off to a spirited start at round two – which is by far the most uplifting and punchy.
The band is superb, but completely understated – my biggest gripe! Powered by George Werner on keys and synths, Sean Bratz on bass, Muneeb Hermans on trumpet, Kurt Bowers on drums, Mpumelelo Mnyamana on sax, Bradley Prince on guitar and various percussionists, they set the perfect tone. It’s just a vexing that they’re placed out of view, right at the back – which is somewhat of a missed opportunity considering the talent involved, and their ability to amp up the heat of the show.
No Makeba musical would be complete without the likes of winning Malaika, Pata Pata and Meadowlands – and these offer up some joyous musical moments. This would have been made all the more potent if a spotlight, or floor lighting, could have honed in on the singers. Overall, lighting is dim.
What you can expect is a rootsy, autobiographical-type show peppered with African idioms for added effect. The production highlights specific periods in Makeba’s life – jumping between experiences in her youth to insights from an older Miriam – who looks back on her own difficult journey.
Read more: https://weekendspecial.co.za/review-rootsy-take-miriam/