Kwaito musical 'Nkalakatha - Road to 25 Years' to honour Mandoza's life & legacy

Gugs Mhlungu was joined by Mandoza's wife and son, Mpho and Tumelo Tshabalala.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

It's the hit song that brings the country together.

'Nkalakatha', dubbed by many as South Africa's unofficial anthem, turns 25 years old next year.

The song is said to embody the spirit of unity and national pride.

Tshabalala says they never imagined the song would be this big.

"For me, the South African ancestors decided that post-1994 we will need something that will unite South Africa."

- Mpho Tshabalala, Mandoza's wife

"He was invited to perform at bar mitzvahs and different parties and weddings."

- Mpho Tshabalala, Mandoza's wife

"It deserves the celebration."

- Mpho Tshabalala, Mandoza's wife

In anticipation of the song's anniversary, a musical theatre production will honour Mandoza's life and legacy.

'Nkalakatha - Road to 25 Years' takes place on 18 September 2024 at the Soweto Theatre.

"My dad was a person who sets trends and breaks boundaries; so we wanted to do something that's never been done."

- Tumelo Tshabalala, Mandoza's son

"Mandoza had a lot of people he collaborated with....we wanted to shine more light on that with this musical. A lot of people he featured on his songs will be in the play. We're trying to create a real-life experience and take people on the journey Nkalakatha took my father on."

- Tumelo Tshabalala, Mandoza's son

With financial assistance, the family is hoping to take the production to the rest of the country - especially rural areas.

Click here to book your seats.

A massive concert is planned for next year (date yet to be confirmed) at Orlando Stadium to celebrate the song's silver jubilee.

Mandoza passed away in 2016 after he lost his battle with cancer.

Since his death, his wife has kept the musician's memory alive through a biopic and merchandise. 

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.