Sibusiso 'DJ Sbu' Leope and DJ Tira DJ Sbu and his daughter Waratwa Leope at the South African premiere of Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King".
Image: Timothy Bernard
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” premiered in South Africa on Thursday and what a star-studded event.
Local voice talent from the films Dr. John Kani (Rafiki) and Kagiso Lediga (Young Rafiki) dazzled on the brown carpet as the sounds of drum music welcomed guests that included a host of South African personalities and sports stars.
Award-winning broadcaster Anele Mdoda hosted the festivities, adding her special flair and dazzling in a Xhosa traditional outfit with a modern twist.
Dr Kani and Lediga were both dressed by local fashion designers with the veteran thespian wearing a black and white Sun Goddess, Xhosa-inspired outfit with a touch of MaXhosa and Lediga wearing a denim outfit by iFuku.
The theme Savannah Sunset saw the brown carpet bursting with red and yellow, even a surprising green. Content creator Moghelingz, real name Banele Ndaba, turned up in an over-the-top emerald green Orapeleng Modutle gown.
“Green is a part of our culture as Africans,” she told IOL Entertainment. Moghelingz explained that they went for a nice sparkly look that embodies the Africanacity.
Fresh off celebrating getting one million YouTube subscribers, Lasizwe Dambuza channeled his inner Taxi driver outfit, with his all-white outfit, which one could have mistaken for an outfit for one of Big Zulu’s music videos.
Rapper Boity Thulo may not have attended the Los Angeles premiere of the Disney movie as a guest of musician Lebo M, who contributes additional music and vocal performances to the film.
The rapper expressed that it was about time that we had a local premiere, “The setting of ‘Lion King’ has always been that of Africa. It emulates Africa, it speaks of us, it is us.”
Thulo went with a two-piece ensemble that matched the premiere’s colours. She explained that she picked the outfit herself.
Musician Theo Kgosinkwe attended with his wife, Vourne. The Mafikizolo musician was dressed in his yet-to-be-launched brand Tate Tailored.
The local premiere was also a family affair; Radio2000 presenter, award-winning social entrepreneur, DJ, and presenter Sbusiso Leope, popularly known as DJ Sbu had his daughter Waratwa Leope. Actress Keke Mphuthi attended with her adorable son and they were matching in orange.
Veteran comedian David Kau attended with his 16-year-old son Deogracia, who recalls watching the movie with his father. Chief marketing officer at Proudly South African Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi attended with her daughter Khanyisile who is becoming quite the popular face on TikTok.
Famous siblings Candice and Refilwe Modiselle attended the event together and brought their confident vibes.
Other celebrities spotted included Lorraine Moropa who revealed that she will be on screens, as she is part of a production that will soon be on Netflix, musician Elaine wore a red number and is still basking in the glory of her album’s release, actress Renate Stuurman looked radiant and so did actress Rami Chuene was supporting local with her outfit.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” debuts locally in cinemas across the country on December 20.
“Mufasa: The Lion King,” sees Rafiki relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick.
Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline.
IOL Entertainment