Buyi Zama to Make Her Broadway Debut as Rafiki in The Lion King

Disney’s long-running musical sensation The Lion King is welcoming a new addition to the Serengeti. Starting May 18, Buyi Zama will step into the leading role of Rafiki in the beloved Broadway blockbuster. This marks the South African actress’s Broadway debut.

Zami has previously played the part in the North American tour, London, South Africa, Australia and China. She succeeds current star Tshidi Manye, who has played Rafiki since 2004.

Based on the popular Disney film, The Lion King opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997 and won six Tony Awards in 1998, including Best Musical. The show has spawned 19 productions worldwide and has been translated into seven different languages. The Lion King reigns supreme as the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history. The smash hit continues to play at the Minskoff Theatre.

Zama joins current cast members Alton Fitzgerald White as Mufasa, Andile Gumbi as Simba, Chantel Riley as Nala, Patrick R. Brown as Scar, Jeff Binder as Zazu, Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa and Fred Berman as Timon.