Zama Magudulela

**Zama Magudulela** is a South African stage actress and singer who played the role of Rafiki in numerous *The Lion King* productions. She's currently in the Brazilian Production.

## The Lion King Credits

Australian Production - 10/16/2003-6/4/2006 - Ensemble (understudy Rafiki)

Shangai Production - 7/18/2006-10/8/2006 - Ensemble (understudy Rafiki)

Hamburg Production - 2006-2007 - Ensemble (understudy Rafiki)

Paris Production - 9/22/2007-7/25/2010 - Rafiki

Spanish Production - 10/20/11 - Ensemble (understudy Rafiki)

Spanish Production - 11/2012-7/7/2019 - Rafiki

Brazilian Production - 7/9/2023 - Rafiki

## Biography (2008)

At just 26 years of age, Zama Magudulela already has an international artistic career behind her.

Originally from South Africa, Zama grew up in Durban and discovered singing when she was just 9 years old. She joined a local gospel choir, Umlazi, and then joined her secondary school choir when she was 12. She improved her singing skills as a member of her high school's classical choir until 1997, and at the same time pursued her passion for gospel singing by taking part in singing competitions in her region. After three years at university, where she graduated with a degree in management and marketing, Zama returned to her passion: the stage.

In 2001, Zama made a decisive artistic encounter: Mbongeni Ngema. Seduced by her incredible talent, he offered her the chance to be an actress and solo singer in his show, The Zulu Show, then to record backing vocals for two of his albums, "Isimukanandwendwe" and "Baba kaMdudu", and finally offered Zama the opportunity to perform a song in a South African film, "Mr Bones". With the help of this artist, Zama was noticed by the famous South African singer Busi Mhlongo, who asked her to accompany him in a concert.

In 2003, Zama auditioned for the Australian cast of The Lion King, without really believing it. She was immediately spotted and joined the troupe in Melbourne. She was appointed understudy to Rafiki and a member of the ensemble.

After two years in the Australian city, the troupe embarked on a national tour, before arriving in Shanghai, China, for three months.

In 2006, she joined the Lion King troupe in Hamburg as Rafiki's understudy and a member of the ensemble, despite not speaking a word of German. She took diction lessons and succeeded in singing in the language, which she had never spoken before.

When Zama shows up at the Lion King auditions in Paris, the production is still looking for its Rafiki. As in all productions of the show worldwide, the artist who plays the role of the shaman monkey must be from South Africa. Indeed, this role requires expression in Zulu, Swazi, Sotho and other dialects, and only a native can do this with ease and naturalness. During her performance, Zama shows incredible mastery of her singing, interpreting the role of Rafiki with disarming ease. The production offered her the title role without hesitation.

The French production of The Lion King will be an opportunity to unveil this complete artist, whose passion for the show and constant hard work have enabled her to rise through the ranks and become one of the leading roles in this musical.