The Lion King: Buyi Zama plays Rafiki

Buyi Zama will play the role of 'Rafiki' from 18 May 2013 in Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King playing at the Minskoff Theatre. Zama assumes the role from Tshidi Manye.

Zama joins the Broadway company of The Lion King directly from the North American Tour, having previously performed the role in London, South Africa, Australia, and China.

Zama was awarded the 2004 Australian MO Award for Female Musical Performer of the Year and nominated for the 2004 Australian Helpmann Award for Best Female in a Musical for her performance in The Lion King.

The Lion King opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 13 Nov 1997, following previews from 15 Oct. On the 13 Jun 2006 the musical moved to the Minskoff Theatre, where it is currently booking through to 05 Jan 2014. Now in its 16th year, the musical is the 5th longest running show in Broadway history.

The musical tells the story of the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king.

Directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, The Lion King now features Patrick R. Brown (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Andile Gumbi (Simba), Chantel Riley (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed), Jaden Jordan and Caleb McLaughlin alternate the role of 'Young Simba' and, Bobbi Bordley and Teshi Thomas alternate the role of 'Young Nala'.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical.

The Lion King has book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music by Elton John, with additional music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin, and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The creative team for The Lion King features Richard Hudson (sets), Michael Curry (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound).

The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the 6th longest-running musical on Broadway, surpassing the record previously held by 'Oh! Calcutta.'