KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has paid tribute to the great sons and daughters of South Africa, who over the past 14 years have, worked hard using their artistic talent to promote our culture and heritage in London and all over the world. He was speaking at the Lyceum Theatre, Covent Garden in London where he met with the cast members of the Lion King, most who are from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Dr Mkhize was a guest of Composer and Producer of The Lion King and Executive Producer of “KwaZulu-Natal Presents: Lebo M’s King and Us Revelation World Tour,” Lebo M.
Dr Mkhize is in London on the invitation from Brand South Africa and together with the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan met with CEOs of top companies representing different sectors of the economy such as banking, IT, maritime, mining and NGOs. They also met with South Africans who are based in London they encouraged them to continue to tell a beautiful story about South Africa.
He cited the cast of the Lion King as ambassadors who are showcasing the Rainbow Nation across the world. “We acknowledge with pride your efforts to use your talent to present to the world the rich cultural heritage that we all share across the cultural and racial divide. Your contribution towards the success of the Lion King should inspire us all and importantly, it shows that we stand a better chance of not only survival but prosperity in a rapidly changing global environment.”
“Our country and our province in particular is rich in history, heritage sites and entities that cross the cultural divide. We need to cherish, preserve and market this to the whole world. The Lion King has provided that platform.”
Grammy award winner Lebo M is Producer of The Lion King South Africa, one of four original score and song composer of the Animation feature block buster animation of the same title including Elton John, Tim Rice and Han Zimmer.
At the 15th anniversary of the original Broadway Production in New York in 2019, Lebo M conceptualised and is to produce in partnership with the KZN Government, The King and US Revelation World Tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of South African democracy coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Lion King Animation movie. The King and US Revelation World Tour will debut at the Moses Mabhida Stadium December 2013, prior to a global Tour as a concert event tour.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 3754742
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk for the Premier
Cell: 079 751 6108
