Mama Afrika - New Wolsey Theatre

Mama Afrika

Performed on Thu 18 Apr


Mama Afrika

A dark background with a striking image of a woman dressed in a multi-coloured dress and headwrap. She is singing into a microphone whilst clicking her fingers.

A remarkable story full of hope and determination featuring best loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues.

As told by Anna Mudeka, Zimbabwean born singer, musician and storyteller.

Anna Mudeka tells the remarkable life story of an iconic South African singer, songwriter and civil rights activist, charting her rise from the townships of Johannesburg to global star, forced into exile for her stand against apartheid and marginalised for Black rights.

Told in four character incarnations chronicling a life blighted by hardship, tragedy and struggle, Mama Afrika is a story of hope, determination and features many best-loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues, embodying an irrepressible spirit and integrity and which earned her legendary status.

Mama Afrika is a solo performance by Anna Mudeka and is produced for family audiences of all ages.

Script by Zimbabwean writer Tomas Lutuli Brickhill, musical direction and special sound effects by John Vigar at Tontena Music, song backing tracks recorded by Zimbabwean multi-instrumentalist Ziva Guveya.

Directed by Tonia Daley-Campbell.

Originally co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre the show is supported by Arts Council England, The Miriam Makeba Foundation and Norwich Theatre.

Reviews of Mama Afrika

What the public say

“...a sensational experience for me and utterly moving and luminous”

Audience Comment

“Mama Afrika is a triumph! Theatre at its purest and most connected”

Audience Comment

“A beautiful and intimate production”

Audience Comment

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