The Covid pandemic has devastated the performing arts industries and has a lot of young performers stranded. In a bit to address this, six young performers namely Lesego Hlogwane (Luna), Lusanda Zangwa (Luluh), Bathulisiwe Phetoe (Gago), Velaphi Ngqaqu, Sifiso Sir Zimba and Morena Bernard Mabote together with their Executive Director Vuyisile Mpela from Mpelampela Productions have combined heritage and local artworks to educate and create a bigger impact in showcasing and celebrating the history of Mohlakeng through their live musical performance “Mohlakeng the Musical”.
Unemployment and changes in the academic year have left the community disillusioned as they are seeing many young people exposed to criminal behavior. “Mohlakeng The Musical” has been created to inspire artists and residents to take positive steps to regain their dignity and confidence.The live performance took place on Saturday, 8 May 2021 at Ebenezer Bible Church wall with community members, members of the media and community governance supporting the musical.
Vuyisile Mpela, Executive Director at Mpelampela “This was a momentous occasion. I feel great for having had not missed the opportunity to tell a historical story about Mohlakeng in my lifetime. I was and am still blessed to have a dedicated team to perform this touching story”.
Mohlakeng the Musical was created by the cast while being documented from the onset, music composition, text and everything was created by artists who live in the area and surrounding areas, knowing the culture and background of the space thereof. Mohlakeng township has some of the great artists who some retired or even left due to instability in the industry and lack of opportunities especially from people that are from far off in places like Mohlakeng / Randfontein.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in this project. I am looking forward to a bigger roll-out and scale up to schools and other appropriate recipients concluded Mpela.
