Phindile Mkhize is best-known for playing the role of Rafiki in the National Tour of "The Lion King", for many years. "The Lion King" is a 1994 American animated musical drama film, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film and the 5th animated film produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance.
Its original songs were written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, with a score by Hans Zimmer. The film features an ensemble voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair (in her last film role), Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings.
The film has led to many derived works, such as a Broadway adaptation in 1997; two direct-to-video follow-ups — the sequel, "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride" (1998), and the prequel/parallel, "The Lion King 1½" (2004); two television series, "Timon and Pumbaa" and "The Lion Guard"; a 3D re-release in 2011; and a photorealistic remake in 2019, which also became the highest-grossing animated film at the time of its release.
In 2016, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
On September 10, 2017, Broadway Sings for Pride held a Broadway-themed concert, as part of "The Original LGBT Expo", at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. "The Original LGBT Expo" featured over 250 exhibitors, non-stop live entertainment on the stage, and hours of interactive seminars. Musical performances by Broadway stars were highlights of the program. Sponsors included United Airlines, Lufthansa, Foresters Financial, and New York Liberty. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
Mkhize performed the song "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" during the event, where Shefik served as Videographer. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a 1967 single released by Aretha Franklin on Atlantic Records. The words were written by Gerry Goffin from an idea by producer Jerry Wexler, and the music was composed by Carole King. Written for Franklin, the record was a big hit reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became one of her signature songs. It made history in the United Kingdom singles chart a week after her death, finally becoming a hit almost 51 years after it was first released entering at #79.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: May 8, 2023
