Nathan Dambuza Mdledle
Biography
Nathan "Dambuzza" Mdledle or Nathan Mdledle played a major role in the evolution of South Africa's music. As the leader of the Manhattan Brothers, Mdledle dominated South Africa's music charts of the late '40s and '50s. Together with the group, he appeared regularly on South African television. In 1958, he appeared in Todd Matshikiza's musical, King Kong, in the leading role of the black African boxer Ezekiel "King Kong" Dlemani. The show, which also featured the other members of The Manhattan Brothers, successfully toured South Africa and was staged in London in 1961. A change in the South African government's approach to apartheid while he was in England prevented Mdledle from returning to his homeland. He continued to perform with The Manhattan Brothers until his death on May 17, 1995.
Known For & Full Filmography5 Titles
Drama Series - 1986, 16 episodes • as Jackson Mnwana
Screenplay was a drama anthology television series, broadcast on BBC between 1986 and 1993. Numerous episodes were produced including one named "Boswell and Johnson's Tour of the Western Islands" starring Robbie Coltrane as English writer Samuel Johnson who in the autumn of 1773, visits the Hebrides off the north-west coast of Scotland. That episode was directed by John Byrne and co-starred John Sessions and Celia Imrie.
Movie - 1987, 2h 15m • as Chief Albert Luthuli
Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa's first Black President, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in negotiating a bloodless revolution in that country.
Movie - 1988, 2h 15m • as Mzee
The son of a priest slain by the Mau Mau moves in with a police officer and his wife in 1950 Kenya.
Movie - 1989, 2h 15m • as Rajid's Man (as Dambusa Mdledle)
An MBA goes to Africa to make a deal, but comes out with a Princess.
Movie - 1990, 2h 15m • as Jackson Mnwana
Joseph Mnwana arrives at Heathrow on a flight from Johannesburg and asks for political asylum. But what is he fleeing from? The authorities are suspicious, and Joseph has an uncertain future in store.