The 1950's – an era of vibrancy, music, colour, dance and bravery in the face of apartheid adversity and forced removals. One of the most evocative sounds of the 50's is the penny-whistle, or the 'kwela', which came from Zulu for 'get up' and the police vans the 'kwela-kwela'. The young men who played the penny-whistle on street corners were also directly involved in their own small way in subverting apartheid rule, when they would act as lookouts to warn the revellers in the shebeens of the arrival of the police. And in those shebeens was the vibrancy, the beer and the music that kept the people's hopes alive.

Kwela Bafana+, a musical story bringing to life the sights and sounds of South Africa in the 50's, is directed by Sibikwa Arts Centre founders Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, with musical direction by Themba Mkhize and choreography by Todd Twala. Boy Ngwenya will bring the true flavour of the 50's to Kwela Bafana+, while Nkosana Xulu will unleash the uplifting strains of his penny whistle into the night.

Those behind Kwela Bafana+ are experienced and talented, with numerous accolades and awards between them. Mkhize is one of South Africa’s most respected multi-talented musicians. Two SA Music Awards and a Daimler Chrysler Award in 2001 are among his numerous accolades. He has arranged and composed music for the opening ceremonies of the Confederation and World Cup and has composed music for several films, including Soweto Green and Zulu Love Letter. Twala's musical theatre career spans nearly four decades. She has travelled the globe working on numerous major productions and brings the 50's to life with vibrant movements.

Award-winning actress Velephi Khumalo is one of Kwela Bafana+'s main attractions. Khumalo was involved in the Lion King production in Germany – she recorded and provided the vocals (which she sang in German) for the production album. She also won a best supporting actress award for South African soapie, Muvhango, in 2005. She has worked with Mbongeni Ngema for fifteen years and is still working with him.

Born in 1935, Bra B Ngwenya is the group's elder, having been a member of the four-person close harmony group, the Woody Woodpeckers. He performed in the original Kwela Bafana. Xulu started playing the penny whistle in 1998. He was introduced to the instrument by the legendary Penny Whistler the late Aaron 'Big Voice Jack' Lerole and still plays with his band called Shukuma. The rest of the team is made up of award-winning performers Dumisani Mhlanga, Mduduzi Mkhethi, Andrie Mbali and Siphiwe Nkabinde

The performers will be supported by the Kwela Bafana band: led by Bra B Ngwenya (keyboard player), Lunga Mgcina (saxophonist) Sabelo Masondo (bass player), Wandile Molefe (pianist) and Siphiwe Kubheka (drummer).

The performance of Kwela Bafana will run for three nights a week at the Victory Theatre until 10 December.

Ticket prices are R95, R156 and R223. With a meal: R95 becomes R175; R156 becomes R 235 and R223 becomes R300. A 10% discount will be given on block bookings of 10 or more. Corporate events are negotiable. Pensioners and students: R60. Tickets can be booked at Computicket or the Victory Theatre on 011 728 9603.

The Sibikwa Players will be doing a preview show at Diepkloof Hall in Soweto on 26 October at 12:00. Entry is free, but Sibikwa is asking for donations of clothing for adults and children, for the Chris Hani Baragwaneth Burn and High Care Unit.