King Kong: legendary South African musical returns to a fragmented country

Disir

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After an absence of over half a century, the courageous musical ā€œKing Kongā€ has smashed its way back into the collective South African consciousness. On tour in South Africa, ā€œKing Kongā€ is one of the most successful and controversial musicals ever to have been produced in the country.

Back in 1959 the jazz musical toured the countryā€™s major cities to, at times, sold out venues. It was seen by roughly 200,000 people before moving to Londonā€™s West End. Set to music of composer Todd Matshikiza, it launched the international careers of musical greats, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, among many others.

The narrative, which does not involve any giant apes (as in the film with the same name), follows the life story of 1950s heavyweight boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, who was better known by his ring name ā€œKing Kongā€. Briefly stated, Dlamini becomes something of a township hero in the darkening days of apartheid by rising to boxing superstardom.

The story follows the highs and lows of his life, his fall from grace, and eventual suicide in a hard labour camp. Presenting the harsh realities of life in South Africaā€™s townships, gangsterism and the belligerent indifference of the apartheid state, the production quickly rose to notoriety. It was a collaborative effort that ignored the racial boundaries so vehemently enforced by the apartheid government. It also drew critical acclaim from multiracial audiences.
King Kong: legendary South African musical returns to a fragmented country

It's an interesting article. I have never heard of Ezekiel Dlamini prior to this.
 

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