BREAKING NEWS: Iconic South African playwright, composer, and musician, Mbongeni Ngema has passed away.
He died in a car accident in Bizana, EC a few hours ago. 68 year old Ngema was known for the prolific stage productions Sarafina and Woza Albert, as well as the mega hit ‘Istimela Sasezola’
One fan wrote: The legendary Bro Mbongeni Ngema has exited the stage. There are so many things I can write about how he influenced a lot of young theater and dance groups emalokitshini in Bulawayo in the 90s.
My favorite stage production from him was THE ZULU. I watched It when it toured Europe while I was also on tour and I fell in love with the music, the harmonies, the dancing and the story telling.
The late Boy Ngema (Mbongeni’s brother) was a marvel to watch. Velile Mchunu who I got to work with years later sang like an angel on that stage. I fell in love from a distance. think I had my first crush in her. Now we are friends
The cast had amazing artists that went on to do amazing things as soloists and ensemble/cast members in theaters and productions worldwide.
He revolutionalised the sound of South African music in the 80s and 90s with stimela . Many say that Sarafina was a turning point for him and cemented his career in media .
