WATCH: Inala – an immersive performance telling the SA story

London’s award-winning creative company, Sisters Grimm, is set to bring the globally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated musical Inala to South Africa for its official premiere.

The much-anticipated event will take place on 22 May at the Mandela Auditorium, Joburg Theatre.

It celebrates the return of a cultural phenomenon with a night of artistic excellence.

The original plan was for a once-off, but due to overwhelming demand there is a second performance the following day.

Special moment

This special moment marks the global relaunch of the show ahead of its permanent residency as one of the premier West End shows in London, hosted at the House of Sisters Grimm.

With meaning in their eyes and determination in their voices, the cast of Inala is telling the South African story through dance and song.

WATCH the preview of INALA

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Performers

Inala, meaning “abundance of goodwill” in Zulu, celebrates South African heritage and talent, featuring music co-written between 2009–2014 by the legendary Joseph Shabalala, the world-famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Ella Spira MBE.

The 2025 production features the voice of Ndaba Mandela and choreography by Mark Baldwin OBE.

World recognition

To date, the show has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert Hall and Hampton Court Palace in London and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and has played for royalty on multiple occasions, consistently earning standing ovations.

Following its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2014, Inala received widespread critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 2016 .

With millions of views worldwide and outreach programmes that have benefited over 12 000 children, the production reflects Sisters Grimm’s commitment to social empowerment through the arts.

In recognition of Inala’s global success and significant impact on international trade and the creative industries, England’s King Charles awarded MBEs to the founders – creative producer and former Royal Ballet ballerina Pietra-Marie de Mello-Pittman and painter and composer Ella Spira.

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