Aphiwe Nyezi, a South African native, is set to take on the iconic role of Simba as The Lion King musical makes its much-anticipated return to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in April. Nyezi, who joined rehearsals at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres on Monday, shared his unique journey to the stage with ABC News.
“We didn’t have a TV at home,” Nyezi recounted, explaining how he would watch the beloved film at a neighbor’s house. “I can’t say that I was watching it regularly.” Despite this, the musical’s global reach inspired him. “I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness. If a guy from where I’m from, having the same experiences and having to live this life [gets to] travel the world doing The Lion King’, he made me to dream also,” he said.
From Simba to Mufasa: A Journey of Growth
Nick Afoa, who will portray Mufasa, brings a wealth of experience to the production. Born in New Zealand to a Samoan father and Croatian mother, Afoa first stepped into the world of The Lion King 13 years ago as Simba, marking his theatrical debut.
“Even when I played Simba, I would come down to the side stage and watch Mufasa’s scenes,” Afoa reflected. “There was still this part of me that went, ‘Man, even though I’m the son, I still feel like there’s a little bit of Mufasa in me.'” Now, as he takes on the role made famous by the legendary James Earl Jones, Afoa aims to bring authenticity and warmth to his performance. “If I just bring that honesty and the presence of who he was, not just as a king, but as a dad, I should be alright,” he said.
Reprising the Role of Rafiki
Joining Nyezi and Afoa is Buyi Zama, who will lead the cast as Rafiki for the third time in Sydney, having performed in the 2003 and 2013 tours. Originally from South Africa, Zama now calls Perth home and is excited to share the production with her seven-year-old daughter for the first time.
Zama performed The Circle of Life during rehearsals, captivating visiting media. “It’s like when you have a favourite book that you want every friend that you have to read,” Zama explained. “So, this is another generation that’s going to get to see the show.”
The Global Impact of The Lion King
The return of The Lion King to Sydney underscores the enduring appeal of the musical, which has been seen by over 100 million people worldwide since its Broadway debut in 1997. The production’s blend of African rhythms, vibrant costumes, and universal themes of family and identity continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
According to industry experts, the musical’s success lies in its ability to adapt while staying true to its roots. The Sydney production promises to deliver the same high-energy performances and emotional depth that have made it a staple in theatre repertoires globally.
“The mystery is you never know who that is in the crowd, but that’s a fact,” Afoa noted, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience. “So, it’s so important to just be present with that … and know that there are people in there wanting to be affected and be moved by the story.”
Looking Ahead
As the cast and crew prepare for the April premiere, excitement is building both on and off stage. Social media buzz suggests that audiences are eager to experience the magic of The Lion King once again, with many planning to bring family and friends to share in the experience.
The return of The Lion King to Sydney not only marks a significant cultural event but also highlights the power of storytelling to transcend borders and generations. As Nyezi, Afoa, and Zama bring their unique talents to the stage, they embody the spirit of the musical—one that inspires dreams and connects us all through the timeless tale of the circle of life.
