South African theatre legend Mbongeni Ngema, famed for the musical Sarafina!, has passed away. Known for portraying the lives of black people under apartheid, he leaves behind a legacy of powerful storytelling. Tributes pour in to honor his impactful contributions to the arts.
Best-known for the musical Sarafina!, Mbongeni Ngema showed the world the lives of black people under apartheid.
He gained global recognition during the 1980s through plays depicting the lives of black individuals amidst apartheid’s racist grip. His works, reflecting the spirit of resistance, highlighted the struggle against white minority rule. Renowned for the musical Sarafina!, later adapted into a film starring Whoopi Goldberg, he was praised by President Cyril Ramaphosa for masterfully narrating the liberation fight and exposing apartheid’s inhumanity.
Tragically, Mbongeni Ngema passed away in a car accident while returning from a funeral. Starting as a guitarist, he ventured into theater in the 1970s and co-wrote the influential play Woza Albert! envisioning Jesus Christ’s return during apartheid. His subsequent works, including Asinimali! showcasing his technical prowess, and the impactful Sarafina!, captivated global audiences with the fervor of South Africa’s youth during the Soweto Uprising.
Ngema’s legacy spans controversies post-apartheid. He produced Sarafina 2 to spotlight HIV/AIDS, facing scrutiny for its funding. His song AmaNdiya led to a ban for inciting hatred toward South Africa’s Indian community, prompting calls from Nelson Mandela for an apology, which Ngema declined, defending an artist’s freedom of expression.
Source: BBC News
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