Condensing such a well-known life into two hours was never going to be an easy task, particularly when that life was fraught with challenges, but the team behind Madiba The Musical certainly gave it a good crack.

The English adaptation of Jean-Pierre Hadida and Alicia Sebrien’s musical tells – or more accurately, sings – the story of anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela’s adult years, acknowledging his struggles and achievements in equal measure through music and dance. [More] 

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Madiba the musical celebration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy is interwoven with stories of the fight against apartheid and forbidden love in a troubled time and land.

Mandela was born of the Xhosa tribe from the Eastern Cape in the Transkei of South Africa. Nelson is the name given to him by a teacher. Madiba the name given to him by his ancestors, deeper than a surname, a sign of great respect and affection. Madiba originated from a chiefly line.

“In Africa there is a concept known as Ubuntu – the profound sense that we are human only though the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievements of other…” Nelson Mandela

The charisma of this production lies firmly in the cast; full credit to the talent and range of the Madiba cast: rippling with vigour, vitality and energy to burn. They show their abundance of abilities ranging from tradition-based African movement to gumboot stomping dances, vocal supremacy and singing that moved a nation.

Their range of musicality covers a variety of genres from spoken word, rap and soul stirring RnB numbers to traditional musical theatre sounds and emotional ballads.

The best moments are given by the whole company.  

This is a ‘go see’ show purely for the skill and talent of the performers. The various storytelling devices are well presented by the ensemble from staged scenes to sculpted tableaux and living sculptures that capture ones attention.

The seasoned skill of Sam Onotou (Timo Timomatic) and William Xulu (Barry Conrad) is clearly evident. They playfully entrance the audience with ‘The World is On Our Side’, joyfully showing of their vocal range to the delight of the audience.

The under-utilised voices and skill of Winnie Mandela (Ruva Ngwenya) and Sandy Xulu (Tarisai Vushe) is noticeable. Please Mr Director let the ladies loose, you so can hear the depth and range of their talent, and they leave us wanting more.

David Dennis’s fluidity as the narrator/storyteller is commendable even when his Rap and Hip Hop beats at times feel out of place – there is a method to the madness all is revealed in due course. No denying his rhythm, dance and delivery is like liquid chocolate: smooth and flawless.

The South African born actor Perci Moeketsi’s performance as Nelson Mandela is truthful, warm and precise, his vocal and physical qualities truly resemble Madiba. He finely balances Mandela’s statesman-like skills with his compelling humanity. 

The performance of the evening comes from Peter Van Leden (Blake Erickson): his consummate performance in ‘My Civilization’ is the catharsis for the evening.  Not only is Erickson’s singing amazing, he takes the audience with him on his true emotional journey through time. The fully fledged character holds the resounding resolution of the whole story, from naïve beginnings to self-loathing and hate through to resolution of forgiveness. 

Madiba the Musical is an original English language production of a French show the toured Australia and is now presented in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What qualified two French authors to tell the story of Nelson Mandela – Madiba? A passion, an inspiration, an aspiration? Though feasible in theory it is debatable in reality.  Madiba the Musical does pose the question: Is it as simple as black and white? Is Madiba a white man’s version of a black man’s journey? Is it right for us to tell other indigenous people’s stories? 

Is it possible to let the world learn from the black man’s interpretation?

“It is hard to eulogize any man – to capture in words not just the facts and the dates that make a life, but the essential truth of a person – their private joys and sorrows; the quiet moments and unique qualities that illuminate someone’s soul. How much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process moved billions around the world.”Barack Obama

“Please explain,” the Narrator (David Dennis) asks of Mandela?

“Why? Why should the future ask the past please explain?”

Why ask Mandela to explain: he need not explain himself. All is revealed by the narrator at the closing as to why he ask the questions; who he is and his right to ask the questions.

“I’ve cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Nelson Mandela, 1964.

Yes there is the bumpy jarring ride between song transitions which is noted in the exciting foot stomping ‘Gumboot Dance’ to the gear-changing ballad that follows. The flow of the storytelling and the emotional journey was interrupted a few too many times, everyone loves a good story so let it flow.

The slightly underdeveloped character arc and the one-dimensional shallowness of the central character give us little to hold on to at times. However, what it lacks in script and emotional depth is made up for by the charm and skill of the cast.

Credit must be given to the authors and composer Jean-Pierre Hadida and Alicia Sebrien: they endured and gave it a go. Over time Madiba the Musical, like a rough African diamond, may become a polished jewel.

Think of Madiba, and the words that brought him comfort within the four walls of a cell: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” Nelson Mandela – Madiba   

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