It was shaping up to be another quiet June 16 long weekend — the kind that comes and goes without much fanfare. But then, two days before the weekend, I got a message from one of my trusted sources: “Come watch Sarafina! The Musical at Joburg Theatre.”
I hadn’t been to the theatre in a long, long time — and honestly, I thought, why not? I didn’t have anything else planned. Fast forward to Saturday night: I was dressed, ready and on my way into the city. The show was set to start at 8pm, and I arrived just in time. But the signs were clear — parking was already a mission. Level 8. Packed foyer. Vibes.
Inside, the Joburg Theatre buzzed with energy — a beautiful blend of generations. From OG theatre lovers to fresh-faced Gen Zs, everyone was here for Sarafina! A wave of nostalgia hit me hard.
You see, back in my high school days, I used to do theatre — township theatre. We performed at venues like Ettienne Rousseau Theatre, Mphatlalatsane in Sebokeng, even the Market Theatre and State Theatre. Sitting there, waiting for the curtain to rise, I saw the young me on that very stage — doing what I used to love. It was a beautiful, unexpected moment.
And then — lights. Music. Magic.
The band, a 9-piece ensemble, kicked things off with rhythm and soul: 2 guitars, 3 trumpets, drums, percussion, and keys. They laid the perfect musical foundation for what was to come — a powerful, reimagined staging of one of South Africa’s most iconic musicals.
Directed by the talented Mpho Molepo, with bold choreography from Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, Sarafina! returned to the Joburg Theatre stage with fresh energy and deep respect for its legacy.
A cast of around 30 young performers filled the stage with life — their voices, their movement, their presence. The songs we grew up with echoed through the theatre, and yes, we all sang along. And what made it even more special? No phones in the air. No one trying to capture the moment — because we were in the moment.
The musical follows the same powerful storyline as the one we all know from the film, set in Morris Isaacson High School during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. It remains a tribute to the youth who stood against the apartheid regime’s oppressive education system. But this version, running from 30 May to 15 June 2025, is more than a retelling — it’s a heartfelt homage to the legacy of the Ngema family and the ‘she-roes’ of South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Originally conceived and directed by the late Dr. Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina! is rich with history, pride and purpose. The music, mostly composed by Ngema himself and featuring contributions by the legendary Hugh Masekela, remains powerful, urgent and timeless.
This special restaging doesn’t just mark the musical’s return — it honours its cultural and historical impact. The production celebrates the resilience of South African women and youth, reminding us of the fire that still burns in this country’s collective spirit.
The lighting, the sound, the passion, the storytelling — everything came together to create an experience that was immersive, moving and unforgettable. Two hours flew by like 45 minutes.
So, if you’re looking to escape the usual groove, or just want to be reminded of our power, our history, and our joy — make your way to the Joburg Theatre.
Sarafina! is not just a musical. It’s a call to remember, to feel, and to keep dancing forward.
Catch Sarafina! The Musical at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein until 15 June 2025. Do yourself a favour — go see it.
