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South Africa
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Bonginkosi Henry “Faca” Kulu is a South African singer, songwriter, and theatre artist whose work draws on jazz and Zulu musical traditions. He began performing professionally in the early 1990s, appearing in a 1993 South African production of 'Once on This Island,' where he played a demon. In 1997, he joined the original Broadway company of The Lion King in New York as an ensemble singer, taking part in numbers such as Circle of Life. After that international run, he returned to South Africa and pursued parallel careers onstage and in the studio.
On the theatre platform, he has taken notable roles and held creative leadership positions. He played Jesus in the gospel opera The African Passion in Johannesburg, and he wrote, directed, and music-directed shows including the cabaret Native Blues and the play Nkanyezi – The Star. His work in Durban theatre earned formal recognition when he won the 2009 Durban Theatre Award for Best Musical Director for Native Blues.
Kulu’s recordings reflect his roots in jazz, mbaqanga, and kwela rhythms. Released as Faca Kulu, his debut album "Uhambo" (The Journey) came out in 2000 and included songs such as Mbali. He returned to the studio with Isazobuya in 2018, which features tracks like Durban Dust and Amacheri with Zuluboy. He sings in both Zulu and English, and his arrangements often pair contemporary jazz and pop structures with traditional rhythmic and vocal patterns. He also appears on project compilations such as the Bambata release Abashokobezi (1906–2006) and on The Lion King original Broadway cast recording.
Throughout his career, he has worked with established South African creators, including Mbongeni Ngema and producer Sipho Sithole, and he has performed alongside artists from gospel and mainstream circles at high-profile events. In 2008, he toured with a five-man vocal group performing a cappella and mbaqanga sets in taverns, a run praised by reviewers for its strong harmonies and commitment to traditional styles.
Faca Kulu is regarded as a figure who bridges musical theatre and contemporary South African music. Media profiles have noted his tall, dreadlocked presence and the authority of his voice, and his stage and music work have received multiple regional honors and recognition from arts organizations. Faca Kulu continues to perform, compose, and contribute to collaborative revivals and modern reissues, keeping his practice rooted in community projects and live theatre work.