By Mabutho Sithole.
Tears have hardly dried from SA eyes after the funeral of Zahara,and now the tragic loss of another performing arts fraternity ICON, Mbongeni Ngema,a playwright, director, musician, composer & producer all in one,what diversified gifts embedded in the Verulam-born son of the Ngemas,oMadlokovu uqobo lwabo!!!
The late Gibson Mthuthuzeli Kente, father of theatre in SA,had a brilliant policy in his artistic stable of GK Productions,”Bra Gib” didn’t only take his productions to all parts of SA urban & rural, but also staged auditions for a variety of characters’ roles missing in those productions,some times beefing them up with stand-by talent in the event one fell sick in those lengthy productions’ countrywide tours.
It was during one of those tours that “Bra Gib” unearthed in KwaZulu Natal, a farm fellow, Mbongeni Ngema, who would later to emulate him,”GK” by producing the world acclaimed Sarafina and Woza Albert, together with Percy Mtwa. It is this “GK” productions tour policy that later unveiled other performing arts icons, like Ray Ntlokwana (“Velaphi Mjongeni”), Brenda Fassie (“Mabrrr” from Gugulethu, WC), Ernest Tsepo Mokone (FS), Thandi Zulu (KZN), Freda Ngubo (KZN), Thomas Mogotlane,(GP), just to name just a few. The list is inspirational, endless!
It took bravery to venture into such nation-building efforts and it needed visionaries of BRA GIB’S ilk, Sam Mhangwane, Bra Boikie Motlhamme (GP), Ben Nomoyi (EC), Buick Tshabalala (FS), the Rev Mzwandile Maqhina (ECP): all joined him in unearthing latent talent!
No sooner had Mbongeni Ngema joined the cast of “I BELIEVE” & “HOW LONG” in rehearsals at neighboring rooms at DOCC Hall:Orlando East, did he make it clear that he was keen to make a career of a seemingly temporary job… ie: “ACTOR” whist in search of an alternative permanent post in the performing arts arena.
He focused on cleaning up his act and at the same time clung closer to BRA GIB in order to pick up mentoring & advice on directing. Diring break times he would be polishing his music side; Sonny Sabela, Baba Mokoena, Sipho Bengu, Themba Mokoena, David Ramogase & others assisted in sharpening his skills in music & a journey to stardom began to take shape… Madlokovu!
- The influence picked up during his fruitful time at the “GK” stable was evident in his own productions later, as he focused on young talent imbued with discipline, never taking “half done” productions to the public, strict on regular & intense rehearsals, with a sharp eye for developing techniques. He was later granted a “scarce” financial boost in the performing arts sector & assembled a masterpiece in SARAFINA. He staged this after another successful production of WOZA ALBERT together with Percy Mtwa.
The stage success of Sarafina resulted in it being filmed. It is unfortunate that economic imperatives usually overshadow our native talent on global stages, therefore one cannot guarantee that the staged version of Sarafina is equivalent to the film version… Be that as it may, Mbongeni Ngema as the Executive CP of Committed Artists Company, produced a globally acclaimed gem in SARAFINA, the story of SAn pain told artistically to the entire globe.
That’s the power of the Arts; if respected, it’s capabilities have no boundaries, as proven by Madlokovu himself, Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa & others.
If anyone doubts that SA has lost a patriot par excellence, Mbongeni Ngema is one & not because he was a Saint, NO, we all aspire to reach that level, but because, in all his endeavours, he reiterated the cry: “Safa saphel’ isizw’ esimnyama.” The cast of Sarafina bellowed the cry,was that not prophetic? A plethora of challenges: zama-zamas, youth unemployment, corruption, loadshedding, water shortages, etc… Madlokovu you warned us, do we take heed? For this great visionary, it’s a wrap; the celestial cast is lining up to welcome you. I see “Styles”, Patric Ndlovu, Sr Mary Twala, Mckintosh Tlhoele, Henry Cele, Daphne Hlomuka and Ndaba Mhlongo leading the Reception Committee, & “Bra Gib” smiling with satisfaction!!!