WHEN your show has been lauded as "The Lion King on steroids", clearly audiences can anticipate a unique experience.
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Having been seen by more than two million people worldwide, Cirque Mother Africa features the talents of nine African countries.
"Noma" - Nomathamsanqa Mkwananzi - is the lead singer and dancer in the sell-out Broadway show, which combines classic circus elements and the heartbeat of Africa.
"People come to us and say they've never seen such a show before," the Zimbabwean performer said.
"We performed at Dolly Parton's festival.
"We had three shows every day, and we had a full house every day.
"People were coming to the show again and again."
Cirque Mother Africa is the brainchild of former street performer Winston Ruddle.
The juggling, contortionists, adagio and high-wire action is underpinned by a live music score performed by the In Africa Band.
This features the traditional tones of the Kora, a 20-string instrument from the west coast of Africa that sounds like a cross between a guitar and a harp, as well as a trio of female vocalists from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The show has returned to Australia after four years.
Mkwananzi said one of the highlights of this tour was visiting regional areas. She said audiences outside cities were often more responsive.
"They have never seen anything like it before."
"Doing the small towns, we now know Australia more than the Australians do," she laughed.
"Driving long hours, but it's worth it at the end of the day, because the audiences are coming in large numbers and are very appreciative."
Having been part of the show since its inception, 31-year-old Mkwananzi said it has been seven incredible years.
"It's for all ages,; everybody can enjoy it," she said.
"What I enjoy most is being on stage with everyone from different countries.
"Being next to an Ethiopian and a Zimbabwean . . . and behind me is a Kenyan and a South African."
Mkwananzi said being part of the show was a valuable education.
"I've learnt a lot of languages," she said.
"And learnt about their culture and the food they eat.
"We even cook for each other and taste each other's food.
"The show is all very talented people. Like a puzzle, together we make a nice picture.
"We are all really different, but when we go on-stage we are just one.
"Now we're just like one big family."
Cirque Mother Africa - The Heartbeat of Africa, Thursday August 14. Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.