New Orleans is buzzing with the spirit of togetherness this week as Africa Umoja lands at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on July 10 -13. With the explosion of the smash hit Broadway musical, FELA! over the past two years, it is no wonder that audiences the world over are thirsty for the energy, inspiration and unsung history that such a theatre piece brings to the stage. Much like the intrigue of the life story of the Nigerian hero and “Father of Afrobeat,” Fela Kuti, that FELA! The Musical tells through the colorful lens of stageplay, the enigma behind Africa Umoja is beginning to catch fire.

Africa Umoja: The Spirit of Togetherness at the Mahalia Jackson Theater July 10 - 13.

Currently on a world tour, Africa Umoja: The Spirit of Togetherness is a new dance musical that paints the tale of South Africa, its people and its song – “Travelling on the beats of drums, from the dusty streets of Soweto to all the corners of the world’s best and biggest stages, Africa Umoja tells the moving tale of indigenous South African music – from the earliest rhythms to kwaito.”

Production critics invite you to “marvel in the beautiful costumes & award winning, internationally acclaimed choreography. Africa Umoja is a loud, colourful and jubilant celebration of life that audiences from all backgrounds have found infectiously delightful and uplifting.” Hosting the musical at major theatres, 26 countries have already embraced the traditional love songs, lullabies and other musical expressions of rural African life portrayed in Africa Umoja.

The musical educates guests not only on the socio-economic history of South Africa, but journeys through a sonic anthology of the storied nation with a live soundtrack including original rhythms, gumboot dance, kwaito, jazz, gospel, fusion and more. Its creators and 40-member cast boast that you will leave bathed in Umoja: the spirit of togetherness, through faith and courage.

Africa Umoja runs at the Mahalia Jackson Theater from Wednesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 13 with nightly shows at 8 p.m.