The musical that aims to celebrate the life of Lebo Mathosa is starting to come together.

Just over a month ago the show’s producer, famed actor and director Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, bemoaned his trouble finding a suitable actress-cum-dancer who could step into the shoes of the late songbird. But yesterday the play unveiled their star, 28-year-old Yolanda Ruiters, known by her stage name Bhelekazi. Though she spent several years studying abroad, Bhelekazi is actually a native of Mdantsane, the Eastern Cape township where music star Zahara also hails from.

“It’s nerve-wracking to play Lebo, because she was not one-dimensional, and people are going to be looking to see if I can capture that,” she told TimesLive. “But I look at it as a challenge and a chance to grow as an artist.”

The musical, which was inspired by productions based on ABBA and Queen, had another boost when Thabiso Khomo joined the crew as choreographer. Khomo worked with the late queen of Kwaito as a dancer, choreographer and songwriter. Also joining the cast are six dancers, while Muvhango actress Londiwe Mthembu will act as Mathosa’s alter-ego. Idols finalist Sindi Nene has signed up as a backup singer.

Lebo Mathosa rose to fame in the Nineties as part of Kwaito group Boom Shaka. She later embarked on a solo career, but was killed in a car accident in 2006.

By James Francis