MR ENTERTAINMENT, the story of Taliep Petersen

382pp., illus., paperback, Midrand, 2022

South African singer, composer and director Taliep Petersen (1950-2006) was born in District Six. He performed in productions of the musicals Hair, Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, and in the 1980s formed Sapphyre, a band that played interpretations of traditional Cape Malay songs. In 1986 he and David Kramer collaborated on District Six: The musical, the first of a number of musicals they worked on together. In 1999, he and Kramer won the Best New Musical Olivier Award for their musical Kat and the Kings, with the cast sharing the Best Actor in a Musical award. He was shot dead in his home in December 2006. His wife, Najwa Petersen, and two accomplices, were found guilty of the murder and she was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

"Meticulously researched and written with acute observation, personal warmth and clear-eyed honesty. This remarkable book is a bright and bruising read." Bill Nasson, Emeritus Professor of History, Stellenbosch University

Writer Paula Fourie holds fellowships at the Bern University of the Arts and the Africa Open Institute at Stellenbosch University. She is co-author (with Athol Fugard) of Concerning the Life of Babyboy Kleintjies.