-The award-winning South African musical production, sponsored by Aetna, returns to South Florida in 2020-

(Black PR Wire) Miami, Fla. –– As the Lion King continues to break box office records, another story that celebrates the African continent and its unbreakable spirit is set to arrive in South Florida. AFRICA UMOJA, The Spirit of Togetherness, sponsored by Aetna and benefiting The Embrace Girls Foundation, Inc., will premiere for a two-week celebration during Black History Month. Opening Tuesday, February 25, 2020 the production will run, at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center, until March 8, 2020.

 “All children should have access to opportunities that will help them thrive academically and socially. The Embrace Girls Foundation fills this need in underserved and low-income communities, ensuring that the students they serve are exposed to important and meaningful academic, wellness and enrichment programs,” said Richard Weiss, Aetna’s market president in Florida. “Aetna is proud to support this organization, while building on our longstanding commitment to celebrate black history.”

Conceived by Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni and produced by Joe Theron, Africa Umoja was developed to educate a new generation of South Africans about their rich heritage and the power of unity (Umoja is the Swahili word for unity) by showcasing the glory days of South African music and dance, that persisted even during the country’s hardships. However, the show has become much more than either of its founders could ever have imagined, dazzling audiences and receiving standing ovations and breathtaking reviews in more than 50 countries across the globe over the last two decades.

Fueled by history, the cast of 33 young adults are arguably South Africa’s most versatile and dynamic singers, dancers and drummers, drawn from the myriad of cultures that compose their rural worlds. The production will feature traditional love songs, lullabies, and internationally acclaimed choreography that narrates in passionate song and dance the moving tale of love and community that helped Black South Africans triumph during some of their country’s stormiest passages.

Audiences will experience life in townships through authentic tribal dancing, joyous gospel singing, explosive drumming and heartfelt performances in an exciting tribute to South Africa and the Zulu heritage.  Africa Umoja also celebrates South Africa’s freedom and democracy through a tribute to Nelson Mandela. The production includes the song “Long Road to Freedom,” which was written in Mandela’s honor and performed to visuals of Mandela in jail on Robin Island and his release from Poslmor Prison in 1990. In addition, there is a jaw-dropping tribute to America’s civil rights legend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Africa Umoja carries the audience on a musical journey right up to “Kwaito,” the equivalent of American hip-hop in culture, fashion and expression that is the dynamic club climate of South Africa today.

The authentic pride spilling off the stage is utterly irresistible and a refreshing change to the norm of manufactured performances. Africa Umoja is a pulsating celebration of Black History from then until now, telling a story that every family anywhere can embrace.

The Miramar Cultural Arts Center is located at 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida 33025.  Multiple performances are scheduled as follows:

• Evening performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 7:00 P.M.;
• Matinee performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 P.M.;
• Group Performances Booked at www.embracegirlpower.orginclude:

o   Educational Student performances @ 10:00 AM designated days;

o   Senior performances @ 10:00 AM designated days.

• Weekends from 11am – 3pm the Miramar Cultural Arts Center will be transformed into the Africa UmojaFamily Fun Village featuring free master classes, backstage tours, food, accessories, art vendors, and family friendly games and activities.  

All seats are reserved. Tickets are VIP Opening Night Gala: $100, $75 and $50; Weekday Nights: $60, $50, $25; Weekend Nights: $75, $65, $40; Educational Student Days: $15; Senior Days: $15. Discounted cultural arts subscriptions available at:

For ticket information call the Miramar Cultural Arts Box Office at 954-602-4500 or visit www.miramarculturalartscenter.org, www.embracegirlpower.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

About THE EMBRACE GIRLS FOUNDATION, INC.:

Founded in 2001 in Miami, Florida The Embrace Girls Foundation, Inc., is committed to providing academic, social, cultural and life skills enrichment to at risk elementary and middle school age girls and providing a place where they learn to be healthy, confident and ambitious young ladies who strive for academic excellence and service before self www.embracegirlpower.org.

About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health company, serves an estimated 38 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit www.aetna.com and explore how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world. @AetnaNews

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