The Acclaimed South African Dance Musical Relaunches in London on 17 September
Following a triumphant Edinburgh International Festival Return
This September, the Grammy-nominated South African dance musical INALA returns to House of Sisters Grimm in London’s West End with a refreshed production and a new performance schedule.
Following four acclaimed performances at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, INALA returns to its permanent London home at House of Sisters Grimm on Eastcastle Street.
2026 has been a landmark year for the production. INALA has also performed twice in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square – first at West End Live, the UK’s largest free musical theatre event, and again as part of the capital’s Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, bringing its vibrant blend of South African music and dance to thousands in the heart of the city.
The Edinburgh engagement marked a remarkable milestone in the show’s history. INALA became the first production ever to play the Festival twice, following its original premiere there in 2014. The four performances played to sell-out audiences and welcomed distinguished guests including Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and their daughter Lady Louise Windsor.
Co-created by Sisters Grimm’s Ella Spira MBE and the late Joseph Shabalala, founder of the Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, with choreography by Mark Baldwin OBE, INALA combines exhilarating South African song, dance and live music in a powerful celebration of community, resilience and hope.
Since its premiere, the show has toured internationally, earning standing ovations and critical acclaim around the world.
The September relaunch introduces a newly refreshed creative approach, including new lighting design by Joshua Harriette and expanded live music elements woven throughout the production. Cast member Diniloxolo “Milton” Ndlakuse now performs live piano within the show, while Boemo “Tony” Banyatsi adds live percussion, bringing audiences even closer to the rhythms and musical traditions at the heart of INALA.
The new cast comprises nine exceptional South African singer-dancers: Diniloxolo “Milton” Ndlakuse, Boemo “Tony” Banyatsi, Mlungiseleni “Jones”, Tobela “Leon” Mpela, Goitseone Deangelo Mogale, Kgotatso Semono, Omphemetse Tolo, Natalie “Keitumetse” Molea and Azola Dlamini.
Presented within House of Sisters Grimm, INALA forms part of a unique multi-sensory cultural destination that combines world-class theatre, contemporary South African art and exceptional South African wine.
Arrive early. Stay late and discover iGOLI, London’s only exclusively South African wine bar; The Gallery, an immersive art space currently presenting Global Landscapes: South Africa and live performance – all in one night.
Founded by Ella Spira MBE and Pietra Mello-Pittman MBE, Sisters Grimm has built an international reputation for creating ambitious, purpose-led artistic experiences that celebrate South African culture on a global stage.
Ella Spira MBE said:
“Returning to Edinburgh, where INALA first began its journey, was incredibly special. The response from audiences reminded us how powerful the show’s message of unity, joy and human connection remains. We’re thrilled to bring that energy back to House of Sisters Grimm with new creative elements, new live music and an extraordinary cast of South African performers.”
