Help Us Tell a Story That Must Never Be Forgotten. What happens when a people’s history is forgotten, misunderstood or told by others? We lose more than a story. We lose a part of who we are.

Two centuries ago, Mzilikazi kaMatshobana made a courageous decision that changed the history of Southern Africa. Breaking away from the Zulu Kingdom under King Shaka, he led his people on an extraordinary journey northwards, enduring conflict, hardship and displacement before establishing a sovereign Ndebele nation.

His journey was not simply a migration. It was a story of courage, sacrifice, survival, leadership and nation-building. Now, we want to bring that story to life—not only for the Ndebele people, but for Africa and the world.

MZILIKAZI: THE MUSICAL

Imbongi Arts, under Executive Producer and Director Mr. Albert Nyathi and others, are creating an ambitious production that will tell this African epic through music, drama and dance.

The research and script are complete. The dream is alive. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help to fund auditions, casting, rehearsals, costumes, choreography, music, stage design and props. The production will draw from the rich Ndebele and Zulu traditions of amabhubo, izibongo, ukusina, traditional songs, sacred hymns and authentic cultural attire.

YOUR DONATION CAN HELP PRESERVE A LEGACY

Every contribution—large or small—will bring us one step closer to the stage.

Your $10 can become part of a costume.

Your $50 can support rehearsals.

Your $100 or more can help build the production.

Because this is a journey, the costumes will tell a story far beyond the traditional Zulu/Ndebele identity. They will reflect the different communities and tribes that King Mzilikazi encountered, passed through, organised and united during his remarkable journey from present-day South Africa, through Botswana, and ultimately into present-day Zimbabwe.

Each costume will represent a chapter of that journey, showcasing the diverse cultures, traditions and identities that became part of Mzilikazi’s growing kingdom. The production will visually trace how these different people were brought together under his leadership to form a united Ndebele nation.

Through song, dance, music and costume, we aim to bring this extraordinary journey to life—celebrating not only Mzilikazi the King, but the many people and cultures whose stories became part of the Ndebele nation.

Your generosity can help carry an entire people's story to the world. The musical is planned to premiere in Bulawayo in September 2027, before touring Zimbabwe, the SADC region and international stages.

This is bigger than theatre. It is about remembering where we come from. It is about giving our children a story they can be proud of. It is about preserving our heritage for generations yet unborn.

If you believe African history deserves to be told by African voices, with African creativity and dignity, please stand with us.

Donate. Share this campaign. Tell someone about it.

Help us bring Mzilikazi's story to the world.

Help us preserve a people's history.

Help us honour a King's legacy.

Help us give future generations a story they can call their own. Together, we can bring history to life.

Mzilikazi kaMatshobana: A King’s Legacy. A People’s Story.