By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
Legendary South African playwright, musician, writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer and theatre producer Mbongeni Ngema has died. He was 68.
Ngema died in a tragic car accident in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape while returning from attending a funeral, according to his family.
He was a passenger in the vehicle.
A statement shared by his family confirmed he died on Wednesday evening in a head-on car accident whilst returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema. He was a passenger in the vehicle,” read the statement.
The world-renowned Ngema is a playwright of note, musical composer, actor, director, activist, lyricist, choreographer, theatre producer and iconic and committed artist of many layers and persuasions who radically altered our black protest theatre. He composed songs and created plays with a hurricane-like force that prodigiously reverberated across the globe.
Ngema’s orientation and art, especially the Sarafina production, were combative, conscientising and highly political. The production won Ngema a reputation as one of the world-class playwrights.
His plays were mainly about the socio-political situations of black people against the vicious system of apartheid and reactions against the absurdities of racism. His acclaimed plays include Sarafina, Asinamali, Woza Albert, Township Fever and several musical compositions.
Ngema himself leapt into theatrical consciousness and became a formidable force in the realm of the performing arts fraternity after being “discovered” by the godfather of South Africa’s black theatre, Gibson Kente. Ngema sprang into the public eye through being one of the naturally talented students of Kente.
He started his career as a theatre backing guitarist. He wrote the multi-award-winning musical Sarafina! and co-wrote the multi-award-winning Woza Albert.
Tributes
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of our cultural stalwart, Mbongeni Ngema, who has lost his life in a vehicle accident.
His masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime.
The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes and consciousness of millions of people around the world.
Putco Mafani, station manager at Rhythm FM posted a picture of the two alongside a note, reading: “Mbongeni Ngema was a World Music Icon.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko said, “I’m truly sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Mbongeni Ngema in a car accident during the festive, as he was returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, especially during moments meant for celebration & reflection.”
TV host and entertainment reporter Jen Su shared their very first interview at the Cannes Film Festival, and wrote: “RIP Mbongeni Ngema – a true inspiration and talent, who will always be in our hearts.”
While paying tribute to her friend, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle revealed that it was Ngema who composed the jingle for her ‘Felicia Show.’
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa expressed sadness at the passing of Ngema.
“With the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, South Africa has lost one of its great playwrights, composers, lyricists, directors, and musicians. Dr Ngema’s work was celebrated in South Africa and internationally.
“At a critical time in the liberation struggle against apartheid, Dr Ngema took the plays Woza Albert, Asinamali and Sarafina to international stages. These productions not only showcased South African talent, but also narrated to the world the experiences of South Africans who were ostracised and brutalised under apartheid,” Kodwa said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube expressed her deep sadness at the passing of Ngema.
“We have learned with shock of the untimely passing of internationally acclaimed veteran of theatre Mbongeni Ngema. He was the finest producer, composer and lyricist of our time, period.
“We have lost a true legend, a doyen and genuine ambassador of theatre. On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and our people we send our deepest condolences to his family for this great loss” said Dube-Ncube.