Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

The play Biko: Where the Soul Resides, nominated in three important categories in the controversial Naledi awards for theatre, is leading the pack to win a prestigious statuette.

The awards take place at the State Theatre on April 19.

Directed by playwright Martin Koboekae, the play has been nominated for the Best New Play Produced, Best Director of a Play or Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role.

Biko: Where the Soul Resides, explores the last years of Steve Biko's life - from 1968 to 1977.

Announcing the nominees at the Market Theatre yesterday, Naledi executive director Dawn Lindberg conceded that last year's controversy around the awards was taken into account.

"We have taken the criticism in a positive manner.

"This year's judges have seen more than 75percent of the productions and everyone who has been nominated has been selected on merit and nothing else."

Last year there was huge fall-out sparked by producer Lebo M who criticised the Naledi awards for not rewarding black talent.

Another notable nominee this year is Nthati Moshesh for Best Performance by an Actress for her role in The Lion and the Jewel.