A Moving Biographical Musical About Miriam Makeba

New Jersey's McCarter Theatre kicks off its 2021 season programming with a brand new work about the extraordinary life, times and music of South African jazz icon and political activist Miriam Makeba. Written and performed by Somi Kakoma, a celebrated American singer-songwriter of Ugandan and Rwandan descent, the hotly anticipated biopic takes the form of a modern jazz opera with distinctly African influences.

Taking its moniker from Makeba's Xhosa given name Zenzile (which translates to 'one who can overcome life's obstacles), the musical is set on the last night of the iconic singer's life, which was coincidentally the night of her last performance. Fusing together real occurrences with elements of a poetic fever dream, the story is bolstered by stunning performances of Makeba's repertoire and takes the audience on a profound journey of spiritual reconciliation.