.org.uk
Lions of Zululand are are a cultural group of musicians and dancers whose aim is to expose to the world the wonderful richness of traditional Zulu culture. They perform in schools, theatres, hotels and also at festivals, corporate events and in fact for any celebration.
Group founder and director Mdu Mkize from KwaMashu has spent several years developing and training a wonderful, professional group of young people often from the poorest regions. The young people enjoy promoting African culture, fulfilling their potential and earning a livelihood to support their families and are from KwaMashu, Umlazi, Lindelani and Umkhomazi.
They rehearse constantly to further develop and expand their dynamic repertoire. All members come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are extremely talented. The group also share information about Zulu cultural practices, the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal and teach their audiences how to speak a little of King Shaka's language
Mdu Mkize, founder.
Mduduzi Maxwell Mkize had worked at a bank before he enrolled on a VIP Protection course called Special Weapons and Tactics training. Shortly after completing this, he joined the former Durban Mayor's office rising to Chief Mayoral Aide. Working with the mayor put Mdu in close contact with many influential people, notably the leader of famous African group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. During large conferences such as the Nam/Non aligned Movement summit and Chgm/Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, the Mayor would ask Mdu to arrange a group to welcome guests as they arrived at the airport and perform for his delighted guests. When Joseph Shabalala, founder and leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo produced a stage production and was auditioning performers - Mdu landed a job. After some time, and because of the often gruelling schedule of six months or more touring, Joseph eventually sought a manager to oversee the tours and management of his 64 cast members : he chose Mdu. Mdu worked with Joseph for a long time, eventually founding Lions of Zululand in 2003 when he left the Mayor's staff. Through Joseph's contacts in America, the Lions then travelled to Washington DC performing at schools, churches and private venues, including the legendary Smithsonian Museum in downtown Washington DC and many schools in Maryland, Virginia. Whilst they were at a school in Washington DC they met teachers from an association of schools in Birmingham who invited them to visit schools in England, the beginning of a long association with Britain's schoolchildren.
Now in their tenth year visiting the UK, Lions of Zululand perform in over 70 schools in a little over three months. They arrive in the UK in April 2015.