Mbongeni Ngema, the South African acclaimed playwright behind the powerful musical “Sarafina,” met a tragic end in a car accident at 68, as confirmed by his family.
This happened just as the 1992 film, a collaboration with jazz legend Hugh Masekela, was resurfacing at the Cannes Film Festival and gearing up for a streaming release.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share the sudden loss of our cherished brother, father, husband, and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema,” expressed the family in a heartfelt statement.
Mbongeni Ngema
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“Sarafina” catapulted Ngema into pan-African musical stardom, having previously seen success as a stage production on Broadway for two years, earning nominations for Tony and Grammy awards.
The movie featured Leleti Khumalo, a veteran of the stage version and Ngema’s later spouse, along with Whoopi Goldberg.
Ngema’s artistic contributions extended beyond “Sarafina.” He co-authored the impactful 1981 play “Woza Albert” with Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon, a poignant satire on the struggles of black individuals in apartheid South Africa. The play toured extensively in Europe and North America.
His body of work, as noted by the family, reflected the resilient spirit of resistance during the apartheid era and the liberation movement.
Ngema’s talents weren’t confined to playwriting; he was also recognized as an actor, choreographer, composer, and singer, with hits like “Stimela sa se Zola,” created alongside Masekela.
His other major credits include vocal arranging on The Lion King.
In 2020, one of Ngema’s former spouses alleged in a book that she had experienced sexual abuse from him.
In a statement, Sarafina! producer Anant Singh said: “We have lost a trailblazing creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of South Africa under apartheid to a global audience using the theatre as a platform.
“He has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and the creative industries as a whole. This is clearly demonstrated by the timelessness of Sarafina! the film.
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“Mbongeni was an inspiration and mentored many young artists who are now household names. His passing leaves a deep void but he leaves a rich legacy that will endure for posterity.”
Sarafina! premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and returned this year as part of the event’s Cannes Classics strand.
