Roaring Back: Thembelihle Cele On Playing Nala In The Lion King

When Disney’s The Lion King returns to Vancouver this summer, all eyes will be on Thembelihle Cele as she brings the fierce, graceful, and beloved Nala to life on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage. Born in Durban, South Africa, Cele has performed the role around the world—from Broadway to international tours—and now she’s ready to share the magic with Canadian audiences from August 20 to September 14, 2025. We caught up with Cele to talk about her journey, what Nala means to her, and why this production continues to capture hearts across generations. —Noa Nichol

You’ve portrayed Nala on Broadway, in the U.K. and Ireland, and now on tour across the U.S.—how has your relationship with the character evolved over time, and what does she mean to you personally?

Nala has been my biggest dream and also my greatest challenge. Just when I think I have the role down, she presents me with new challenges. I came into this role with very lofty goals and ideas about what spin I want to put on my portrayal of the role. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In growing to understand her, I have come to realize that there are so many parallels to draw between her journey and my own personal story. Ultimately, it is her bravery and her courage to leave home and go out into the unknown that yields the greatest reward— reuniting with Simba, but most importantly, restoring order and balance back into the Pridelands. Nala has given me permission to be brave and strong, especially in a world that doesn’t encourage women to be strong, only resilient. She has given me permission to make the choice to be strong and to pursue my every dream with intent…not just to be strong because I have to be, and the world requires that of me. She has caused me to dig deep, and to strive to bring my most authentic self into every space I walk into.

The Lion King is such an iconic show with a powerful cultural legacy. What does it mean to you, as a South African artist, to bring this story to life on a global stage?

My experience in The Lion King is so unique in how it has allowed me the space to be a performer, but also sink my roots deeper into who I am as I get to share my culture, language and heritage. This has given me permission to truly bring my authentic self to the stage at all times, and also makes me proud that a small part of my very culturally diverse country is being shared and portrayed on renowned stages all over North America and the world. 

From Shakespeare to Disney, your stage credits are beautifully diverse. How do you approach embodying characters in such vastly different worlds—and what draws you to a role?

Whether I’m stepping into the poetic universe of Shakespeare or the sweeping emotional world of Disney, my approach always begins: What does this character want? What’s at stake for them? Where’s the heartbeat? With a character like Nala, it’s about tapping into emotional clarity—making the character feel real and grounded, even in a larger-than-life world. I always think that if a character can move someone in the audience to feel inspired, seen or understood, that’s the role I want to play. At the end of the day, no matter the genre, for me, it’s always about human connection and that’s the throughline between these worlds. 

The costumes, choreography, and staging in The Lion King are breathtaking. Is there a moment in the show—visually or emotionally—that still gives you chills night after night?

“Grasslands/Day with Dad.” This scene features the entire dance and singer ensemble adorned in handwoven grass skirts and grass heads that create the beautiful landscape that is the Pridelands. We see the gazelles leaping across the landscape, buzzards flying overhead, the anthill and guinea fowl crossing all while the ensemble is firmly grounded on the stage representing the ancestors that have come before us who are now underneath the soil, enriching the earth that provides nourishment for all the living creatures. Mufasa is teaching Simba atop Pride Rock about this great Circle of Life, and it is just a beautiful moment in which the audience gets a visual of this lesson. The different color hues that depict daybreak and the musical underscoring in this scene just lend so powerfully to the storytelling. It really is awe-inspiring.

You’ve taken the stage at #D23EXPO and appeared on South Africa’s Popstars—how has your experience in both theatre and music shaped your artistry and performance style?

Those two worlds—music and theatre—have deeply shaped how I express myself as an artist. ETv Popstars was my first major introduction to performing under pressure, connecting with an audience through just my voice and as myself. It taught me how to tell a story through song, energy, and presence. The immediacy of music and the way it moves people without requiring any translation is something that has always inspired me. Theatre, on the other hand, was an invitation to delve into character work, storytelling, and emotional nuance. It’s where I learned stamina, discipline, and the magic being a part of a whole. When I’m on stage in a production like The Lion King, everything—voice, body, intention, breath—has to be in alignment. It’s a much deeper immersion. Music gave me rhythm and the world of theatre gave me depth and transformation. I try to bring both each time I get on the stage.

Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. What are your must-haves or rituals to stay grounded and energized while on the road?

The practice of Yoga has become a daily ritual to keep me grounded, but I also love to wander around a city and find a coffee shop to either sit and get some work done or just people watch. This, I find, is a great way to become acquainted with the vibe and pulse of a city/town. It is also a great way to meet people and make local friends. I also travel with a small fleece blanket that, I guess, is my emotional support blanket. It’s been to at least 30 states and 7 countries. 

You’ve dedicated your work to your parents and express deep gratitude to your family—how has your personal journey and heritage informed your voice as a performer?

For as long as I can remember, I don’t think there’s ever been a time when I have shown even a little interest in anything, whether it be a sport or an instrument, that my parents have not said “go for it” and then followed up with support and resources. My dad has been my greatest musical influencer and introduced me to some of the greatest musicians and vocalists of all time from a very young age— this has shaped my musicality. My siblings are my mirror, and have kept me honest and accountable, but have also been my loudest cheerleaders in this journey. This has allowed me to really focus on pursuing and living out my dreams without any fear. Even when I have left an audition feeling insecure, these are the people who have seen me through my preparation process and have assured me that I am enough and have done my best. They have reminded me constantly of my capabilities and have celebrated my every achievement the loudest. I am all the more blessed to be married into a family that have become such a vital part of that community, and have loved and supported me unreservedly.

What advice would you give to young performers—especially from underrepresented backgrounds—who dream of making it to stages like Broadway?

I would say “Let your dreams, even the ones that seem unattainable, be your compass.”  Own your story—Your background, culture, and lived experiences are not obstacles, they’re your uniqueness and edge. Surround yourself with others who uplift you—mentors, peers and other dreamers. The journey is long, and it can be isolating, especially when you don’t see many who look like you in the room, so build your community— they can be your biggest cheerleaders. Celebrate others’ wins but never measure your journey by theirs. Lastly, Broadway is a dream—and it’s beautiful. But the goal isn’t just the stage. It’s impact. It’s representation. It’s building on something that is already established but also making it bigger for those coming behind you. If you’re in alignment with purpose, you’re already winning. Stay the course, because when the dream comes true, you are the only one who knows the cost and sacrifices it took to get there.