By ZR Reporter
Ten young Zambian performers are preparing to take the country’s story to Europe through Afronauts, a theatre production inspired by the late Edward Mukuka Nkoloso and Zambia’s 1960s space programme.
The production by Circus Zambia is expected to tour England, Ireland and the Netherlands, with performances lined up at the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as several other cities across the UK and Ireland.
Speaking during the Afronauts Fundraising Breakfast in Lusaka, government officials, diplomats and arts stakeholders described the production as a powerful platform to showcase Zambia’s creativity, culture and talent on the global stage.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe urged the private sector, development partners and the public to support the initiative, saying it would help create opportunities for young artists while promoting Zambia internationally.
British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon said the tour reflects the strong cultural partnership between Zambia and the United Kingdom and will introduce international audiences to a uniquely Zambian story.
Circus Zambia Executive Director Adam McGuigan said the production represents years of hard work after plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the tour could open doors for more Zambian creative groups to perform internationally.
Meanwhile, documentary director Ngosa Chungu called on Zambians to celebrate local talent beyond music, saying the performers drawn from communities such as Chawama, Chibolya, Mandevu and Matero demonstrate that Zambia has world-class talent capable of competing on the global stage.
© Zambia Reports | July 2026
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