Mbongeni Ngema is a renowned South African playwright, composer and director who has received international acclaim for his groundbreaking works depicting the struggle and resilience of black people in apartheid South Africa.
He is best known for his collaboration with Hugh Masekela on the 1981 play Woza Albert! and for writing the 1988 musical Sarafina!
“Sarafina!” is particularly significant because it depicts the 1976 Soweto uprising and was later adapted into a successful film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
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- – Full name: Mbongeni Ngema
- – Date of Birth: May 10, 1955
- – Age in 2024: Deceased (69 years old)
- – Gender: Male
- – Birthplace: Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- – Nationality: South African
- – Occupation: Playwright, composer, director, producer, actor
- – Height: Not applicable
- – Parents: Gladys Hadebe and Zwelikhethabantu Ngema
- – Brothers and sisters: None
- – Spouse: Married to Leleti Khumalo
- – Children: Sabelo Ngema
- – Marital Status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: Zulu
- – Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Mbongeni Ngema, 69, was born on May 10, 1955, in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to parents Gladys Hadebe and Zwelikhethabantu Ngema.
His father was a policeman. He and his seven siblings grew up in a family with a rich tradition of traditional storytelling, which greatly influenced his later work. Ngema’s early life was deeply rooted in Zulu culture, and he was inspired by the stories he learned from his great-grandmother.
This cultural foundation greatly shaped his artistic vision. Details about his formal education are not widely documented, but his early exposure to the arts and local theater groups laid the foundation for his prolific career.
Personal life
Mbongeni Ngema was previously married to actress Leleti Khumalo, who played the lead role in the film Sarafina! and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance.
The couple’s marriage and artistic collaboration were well known, though they eventually divorced. Ngema has a son, Sabelo Ngema Xoliswa Nduneyi Ngema, from whom they were married in 1983 and divorced in 1992.
Profession
Ngema began his career in the late 1970s by joining local theatre groups. He came to attention in 1981 when he co-wrote and performed in the play Woza Albert!, which received international acclaim and won numerous awards.
However, it was the musical Sarafina! that catapulted him to stardom. Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988, was a powerful depiction of the Soweto uprising and was nominated for several Tony Awards. The 1992 film adaptation further solidified Ngema’s reputation as a key artistic figure.
Ngema went on to create influential works including “Asinamali!”, “House of Shaka” and “The Zulu”. He also composed the music for Disney’s “The Lion King” and produced several successful albums. Throughout his career, his contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.
Awards
- – Nominated for a Tony Award for Sarafina! (1988)
- – The soundtrack for Sarafina! was nominated for a Grammy Award
- – “Sarafina!” Winner of the NAACP Image Award
- – The Lion King soundtrack wins multi-platinum award
- – Inducted into the New York Walk of Fame (1998)
- – FNB-Vita Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Asinamali” (1996)
- – Honorary Doctorate Degree from Good Shepherd Institute of Religion, Culture and Skills Training
- – Naledi Award for Lifetime Achievement (2014)
net worth
According to sources, Mbongeni Ngema’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth came primarily from his successful career in theatre, music, and film.
die
Mbongeni Ngema died on December 27, 2023 at the age of 68. He was killed in a car accident on his way back from a funeral in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
dispute
Throughout his career, Mbongeni Ngema has been the subject of controversy. One high-profile scandal involved discrimination and verbal abuse against women. In the early 2000s, several female colleagues accused Ngema of creating a hostile work environment.
The allegations attracted widespread media attention and sparked debate about gender dynamics in South Africa’s arts community. Despite the controversy, Ngema has maintained his influence in the theatre community.
Furthermore, his political views and outspoken nature often put him at the center of public debate. Ngema’s works often dealt with the harsh realities of apartheid, sometimes leading to clashes with the authorities and issues of censorship. His play, Asinamali!, was restricted and strongly opposed by the apartheid regime due to its criticism of the government.
In 2006, Ngema faced legal problems over a failed business venture. He co-founded the KwaZulu-Natal House of Music, which became embroiled in a management dispute.
The controversy involved allegations of financial mismanagement and strained his relationship with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture.
Social Media
- – Instagram: No
- – Twitter: No
Filmography
- – Sarafina! (1992)
- – Athena Marley (2017)
Discography
- – Sarafina! – Soundtrack
- – Stimela SaseZola
- – Free Tomorrow Comes (Remix)
