Sarafina! is a powerful South African musical and film that vividly portrays life under apartheid and the courageous fight for freedom. Created by Mbongeni Ngema and Hugh Masekela, it tells the story of students involved in the Soweto Riots, who stood in resolute opposition to the oppressive apartheid regime. This article delves into the history of Sarafina!, its impactful songs, and its lasting cultural significance.
The Soweto Uprising was a series of demonstrations and protests led by black school children in South Africa that began on the morning of 16 June 1976. Image source: Wikipedia
The Genesis of Sarafina!
Sarafina! first premiered on Broadway on January 28, 1988, at the Cort Theatre, and ran until July 2, 1989, with 597 performances and 11 previews. The musical was conceived and directed by Mbongeni Ngema, who also wrote the book. He collaborated with Hugh Masekela on the music and lyrics. Prior to its Broadway debut, the play was initially presented at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, in June 1987. The production of the play was chronicled in the documentary film "Voices of Sarafina!".
Storyline and Characters
The story of Sarafina! revolves around a group of students at Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto. Act I introduces the students through the song “Zibuyile Emasisweni.” One student, Colgate, acts as the narrator, highlighting the school's reputation for political activism, particularly its role in the 1976 protests led by student leaders like Tsietsi Mashinini and Khotso. Other notable characters include Teaspoon, Stimela Sasezola, and their teacher, Mistress It’s a Pity. The school adores Sarafina, a girl known for her charm and spirit, celebrated in the song "Sarafina".
The students' day includes a musical rendition of "The Lord’s Prayer," followed by English class where they recite Wordsworth’s poem "Westminster Bridge." Sarafina questions the relevance of learning about English cities, prompting Mistress to respond with her catchphrase, “It’s a pity!” History class, led by Mistress, teaches them "the history that is not in the books," focusing on black leaders who led the war of resistance. Sarafina leads the class in a chant: “Nelson Mandela is a hero. We know the government is shit.”
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Time passes, and Sarafina is jailed for stirring up trouble. Upon her return, she shows scars from prison beatings but insists that classes continue as before. The tension escalates when a policeman interrupts a lesson on oil-producing countries, reacting violently to the mention of Libya and Khaddafi. The situation culminates in a shooting, leaving some students dead. The funeral for their classmates features a dirge (“Give Us Power”) and a protest chant led by Stimela, “Afunani Amaphoyisa eSoweto” (“What are the police doing in Soweto?”). The act concludes with the students singing “Nkosi Sikeleli’ Afrika (God Bless Africa)” and declaring their determination for change with “Freedom Is Coming Tomorrow.”
sarafina prison songs
Musical Highlights and Themes
The musical numbers in Sarafina! are integral to the storytelling, each song carrying profound meaning and emotional weight. Here are some notable songs and their significance:
- "Zibuyile Emasisweni": Introduces the students and sets the stage for the story.
- "Sarafina": Celebrates the title character and her influence on the school.
- "Give Us Power": A somber dirge sung at the funeral of classmates, reflecting the grief and loss.
- "Nkosi Sikeleli’ Afrika (God Bless Africa)": The black South African "national anthem," symbolizing hope and resilience.
- "Freedom Is Coming Tomorrow": A declaration of the students' determination to fight for their freedom.
- "Stand and Fight": Emphasizes the students' readiness to battle for their rights.
- "Voster Sisolilwela": Declares the students' resolve to fight for their land until they reclaim it.
- "Sechaba": Depicts the struggles and suffering of the black nation under apartheid.
- "Kilimanjaro": Celebrates the natural beauty of southern Africa.
- "Bring Back Nelson Mandela": A fervent call for the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
These songs address themes of resistance, hope, and the struggle against oppression, reflecting the spirit of the anti-apartheid movement.
A scene from Sarafina! capturing the energy and emotion of the performance. Image source: YouTube
The 1992 Film Adaptation
In 1992, Sarafina! was adapted into a musical drama film. The film, like the musical, follows Sarafina, a teenaged school student who idolizes Nelson Mandela. She feels shame at her mother's acceptance of her role as a domestic servant in a white household and inspires her peers to rise up in protest, especially after her inspirational teacher, Mary Masombuka, is imprisoned.
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The film was shot on location at Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, a site of the 1976 Soweto student uprisings. Many extras and cast members had participated in the real-life resistance in Soweto, adding authenticity to the portrayal. The film was screened out of competition at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation.
The film's release coincided with significant political changes in South Africa. By the time filming started, Nelson Mandela had been freed, and apartheid was abolished, although racial tensions remained high. According to Anant Singh, the producer of the film: "When people ask me why there is no good white in the movie, I tell them that this is one movie that isn’t about whites. Many of the actors have been arrested, had the police break down their doors in the middle of the night. Almost everyone had either first or second-hand experience with the movement. The kids in the cast were performing what they lived.”
The film was re-released in South Africa on June 16, 2006, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Soweto uprising.
The film poster for Sarafina! emphasizes the themes of resistance and hope. Image source: Amazon
Comparison of Musical and Film
While both the musical and film versions of Sarafina! tell the same core story, they offer distinct experiences. The stage musical relies on live performance and audience interaction to convey its energy and emotion, while the film uses cinematic techniques to enhance the visual and narrative impact. Both forms have been praised for their powerful storytelling and their ability to bring the history of apartheid to life for audiences around the world.
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Legacy and Impact
Sarafina! remains a significant cultural work that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. It has been celebrated for its portrayal of the struggle against apartheid and its message of hope and resilience. The musical and film have also been recognized for their artistic merit, with numerous awards and nominations. Mbongeni Ngema's work has been praised for inspiring resilience and pride among South Africans. In 2023, Ngema died in a car crash at the age of 68. His body of work included the lauded theatre production Woza Albert! and he was praised by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Sarafina! serves as a reminder of the power of art to effect social change and the importance of remembering the past to build a better future.
Key Figures Behind Sarafina!
The success of Sarafina! is largely attributed to the creative minds and talents of its key figures:
- Mbongeni Ngema: The playwright, composer, and director, Ngema was the driving force behind Sarafina!. His vision brought the story of the Soweto uprising to life on stage and screen.
- Hugh Masekela: A renowned South African trumpeter, composer, and singer, Masekela collaborated with Ngema on the music and lyrics, infusing the production with authentic South African sounds.
- Leleti Khumalo: As the title character, Khumalo's powerful performance captured the spirit and determination of Sarafina, earning her a Tony Award nomination.
These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping Sarafina! into a global phenomenon.
Songs in Zulu
It's important to note that some songs in Sarafina! are sung in Zulu. To enhance understanding, the lyrics have been translated into English in the synopsis, even though they are performed in Zulu on the recording. This ensures that the themes and messages of the songs are accessible to a broader audience.
The Enduring Relevance of Freedom
The themes explored in Sarafina!, such as the pursuit of freedom and the fight against oppression, remain relevant today. As Rinaldo Walcott notes, there is a crucial distinction between "emancipation" and "freedom." Emancipation is a legal beginning, while freedom is an ongoing project. Even after the end of slavery and colonialism, true freedom remains elusive for many Black people around the world.
The call for freedom in Sarafina! continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality, reminding us that the struggle for liberation is far from over.
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