Hi There...
I am Zama Magudulela, a performer who has traveled the world with The Lion King (Disney) and other international productions. I am best known for the "powerful" portrayal of Rafiki in Disney’s The Lion King musical. Born in Durban, I began my artistic journey singing in gospel and classical choirs before being cast in Mbongeni Ngema’s The Zulu Musical, which took me across South Africa.
Career Timeline — Key milestones:
“Hau, let me tell you my story…
My journey with The Lion King started way back in 2003, when I joined the Australian production as part of the ensemble and an understudy for Rafiki. Yoh, I didn’t know that step would open so many doors for me! From there, I’ve had the honour of performing Rafiki in so many languages and cultures — Germany, France, Spain, Brazil… I’ve even had to learn to say Ngiyabonga -Gracias, Merci, Thank you in five different accents!
In Paris, I performed from 2007 until 2010, and you know what? I even walked away with the Best Lead Singer Award at the Molières Musical Awards. Eish, that one was special! Then Madrid called me from 2011 until 2019, where I lived my best life as Rafiki, and just recently, in 2023–24, I was blessed to celebrate 20 years of The Lion King in Brazil before heading to Canada to keep carrying the role.
But I’m not just ‘Mama Rafiki’, neh! I’ve also worked with Cirque du Soleil in Totem, danced and laughed through The Party Show, and even performed live on The Voice Spain, the Los 40 Music Awards, and Disney Channel Australia. I’ve opened for legends like Céline Dion and our very own Johnny Clegg. On top of that, I’ve lent my voice to movie soundtracks like Mr Bones and Elephant Tales, and even co-wrote music with Eric Mouquet of Deep Forest for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Can you believe it? From Umlazi to the World Cup stage!
Through it all, one thing has never changed — I’m a girl who loves to laugh, to share stories, and to inspire. Performing has taught me that the stage is not just a place to entertain — it’s a place to teach, to heal, and to dream. And now, I want to bring all of that home, to the next generation of South African stars who are dreaming of standing on those Disney stages one day. If I can do it, so can you. And trust me, we’ll laugh a lot along the way!”