Award-winning South African director and
storyteller, Phumelelo Mbele aka “SUPA”, and award-winning production company
Free Women Films, are set to direct a documentary honouring the Life of Dr
Joseph Shabalala, multiple Grammy award winning musician and founding member of
the Zulu male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Titled The
Untold Story, the documentary seeks to tell the story of the musical
journey and lives of the iconic South African musical heros - Joseph Shabalala
and Ladysmith Black Mambazo - showcasing the traditional Zulu music and vocal
styles of isicathamiya and mbube, from humble beginnings to their acclaimed
International success, while focusing on the profound influence that their unique
musical style has had on South Africa and generations to come.
“As a director, it is an honour to be given the
opportunity to tell the story of this amazing legend Joseph Shabalala, Mshengu.
What he and the band Ladysmith Black Mambazo have done is something that we, as
a country, still do not comprehend. It is my hope that this film will inform
and educate the viewers about the contribution they have played, musically,
politically and spiritually in our lives,” said Phumelelo Mbele who directed E-Jackpot, a 45 minute film for MNET.
The filmmakers will work closely with the Dr
Joseph Shabalala Foundation and Thoko Shabalala, wife of Dr Joseph
Shabalala. “I am so excited that finally
the dream and legacy of Dr Joseph Shabalala will be realised. This project has
my blessing and I am looking forward to working with the director, Phumelelo
Supa Mbele and Free Women Films” said Thoko Shabalala.
Filming will take place in the world heritage
site of the uKhahlamba region of KwaZulu-Natal, where Dr Shabalala was born and
lived his whole life. The documentary and series will be made with the support
of the KwaZulu-Natal Natal Film Commission.
“As one of the producers, it is a privilege to
be associated with this iconic South African musician,” said Judy Nwokedi,
Secretary General of the Black Business Council and Executive Producer for Free
Women Films “Dr Shabalala’s music is from a genre that displays the profound
spirit and gentleness of a musical genius”.
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