Shanty Town Revue

Shanty Town Revue was the first all-African musical production in Port Elizabeth and was staged at the Crispin Hall from August 3 - 7, 1959, with all the proceeds going to charity. The musical was produced by Stanley Nathan of Port Elizabeth and directed by Myer Katz of Uitenhage. The cast included Welcome Duru, Norman Ntshinga, Mabel Magada (later Ntshinga), Fezile Ngwenda, Ntsiki Mali, Rosy Koloi, Baba Naka and Velile Ngqondela. Members of the band included trumpeter Kekie Njikelana (who also acted), trombonist Mike Ngxokolo and tenor saxophonist Lent Whyte Maqoma. Shanty Town Revue opened to a full house and was considered to be a huge success. The media labelled it as "Port Elizabeth's answer to King Kong." The storyline was that the various groups and artists were actually auditioning for a musical play.