The Lion King star speaks about life on tour
Greenville, S.C. – With the arrival of The Lion King highly anticipated in Greenville, we had the opportunity to catch up with one of the stars of this spectacular show. Mukelisiwe Goba, who plays the role of Rafiki, chatted about her experience in this captivating role and her life on tour.
Delving into the role of Rafiki
Originally from South Africa, Goba has been gracing the stages with The Lion King for more than a decade. Starting off as an ensemble member, she eventually clinched the challenging role of Rafiki. “The role isn’t an easy one,” she admitted, “but I strive to ensure that the audiences truly understand Rafiki when they leave the theater.”
Preparation for the stage
To prepare for the physically demanding role, Goba’s daily routine begins with a gym workout and stretch around 11 a.m., followed by vocal warm-ups. Once she arrives at the theater, she spends half an hour in makeup, performs another stretch and prays with other cast members.
Before the show begins, Goba makes a point to spend a few solitary minutes on stage. “I don’t need anybody there. They know,” she said, “I just need to be alone and then pray before we start.”
Why The Lion King resonates with audiences
When asked why The Lion King has struck a chord with audiences for over 27 years, Goba attributed its undying popularity to the music and the storyline. “The drums, the storyline. This show, it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Goba explained. “It resonates with everyone’s lifestyle.”
Anxious viewers can expect to see Goba and her fellow cast members on stage at the Peace Center in downtown Greenville from September 11 through to September 29.
