UMbiko bags Nama awards

MAYFORD Sibanda’s novel, UMbiko kaMadlenya, published in 1981 and adopted into a stage play by Thabani Moyo and directed by Nelson Mapako, proved to be unrivaled at the 2015 National Arts Merits Award (Nama) after winning all four awards in the theatre section.

MAYFORD Sibanda’s novel, UMbiko kaMadlenya, published in 1981 and adopted into a stage play by Thabani Moyo and directed by Nelson Mapako, proved to be unrivaled at the 2015 National Arts Merits Award (Nama) after winning all four awards in the theatre section.

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPODENT

Bathabile Dhlamini scooped the award for outstanding actress, Memory Kumbota (outstanding actor) and Nelson Mapako (outstanding director) for the play while the play itself UMbiko KaMadlenya by Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo was adjudged the outstanding theatrical production.

Veteran actor Kumbota plays Mbiko and Dlamini the character of the fiery Zinkabi in the play.

Mapako told Southern Eye Lifestyle that he was overjoyed  at scooping the awards and indicated he would like to take the play to all the country’s 10 provinces, but lack of funding held up his plans.

“I am on cloud nine,” he said.

“I am humbled as we took all the awards in the theatre section. I can say it was all about hard work and team work.

“If you realise, UMbiko is a collaboration. For it to be a production, it was Intwasa in collaboration with the Bulawayo City Council who sponsored it. We have not yet toured as we cannot afford it at the moment to tour with such a big cast of 25 artistes.”

He added: “Our creative industries cannot sustain themselves. We need the corporate world and donor community to support us as we cannot do it alone. This is the case in other countries such as South Africa and Botswana.”

Mayford Sibanda’s historical novel deals with the succession crisis which brought Lobengula to the throne after defeating dissidents led by Mbiko, the son of Madlenya.

The story is based on the unfortunate events that took place in the early years of the Ndebele nation. The had to split into two groups on entering present-day Zimbabwe.

The story of UMbiko kaMadlenya starts almost a year after the death of Mzilikazi when a new king had to be installed
The story of UMbiko kaMadlenya starts almost a year after the death of Mzilikazi when a new king had to be installed

The group that went with Mzilikazi lost contact with the main group led by Gundwane and it was then believed that Mzilikazi was dead. His son Nkulumane was installed king in his place.

On his return and reunion with his people, Mzilikazi did not take that matter lightly. It is known as a historical fact that some chiefs were perceived as rebellious and treasonous and were put to death.

What has not been established by recorded history is the fate of Nkulumane. It would seem that for political expediency, Mzilikazi made his people believe that Nkulumane had been sent back to Zululand and would return to take the throne after his father’s death.

The story of UMbiko kaMadlenya starts almost a year after the death of Mzilikazi when a new king had to be installed. The whereabouts of Nkulumane complicated the succession issue.

Some people did not want to repeat the mistake of installing Nkulumane without credible evidence that Mzilikazi was surely dead. There was genuine fear that if Lobengula assumed the throne, should Nkulumane return, similar retribution would take place.

The main character is Mbiko, one of the distinguished heroes who claimed to be on Nkulumane’s side. He had personal ambitions to be king himself, but used the Nkulumane affair as a political ploy.

Mbiko was installed and became king after proving Nkulumane would not return. Lobengula killed Mbiko.

The play has been showcased four times in Bulawayo.