Acclaimed award-winning artist and one of South Africa’s celebrated theater producers, director, composer and playwright Mbongeni Ngema has passed away.

Ngema, bred in the village of eNhlwathi near the rural town of KwaHlabisa in northern KwaZulu-Natal, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday.

It is believed that Ngema had been on his way back from a funeral service when he met his untimely death.

His nephew Sabelo said although Ngema was not the driver of the vehicle, he sustained severe injuries that led to his death. The crash happened in Bizana in the Eastern Cape.

Head-on collision
“The accident happened in Bizana where there was a burial of a relative,” said Sabelo, who explained that the family is still reeling with shock.

The 68-year-old began his career in the creative sector as a theater backing guitarist.

He is internationally known and respected for his song Stimela Sasezola, which continues to serenade audiences.

He is also the brains behind the musical drama Sarafina which brought to life the hardships experienced by black school children under apartheid.

Ngema also authored a South African political play titled Woza Albert in the 1980s.

In a statement, the family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and a patriot Mbongeni Ngema.

“Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident while returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape this evening. He was a passenger in the vehicle.”

Walk of Fame
In 1998, Ngema was inducted in the New York “Walk of Fame” in front of the Lucille Lortel Theatre in Manhattan, New York City, as one of the revered writers of the 21st century.

In 2001 during the African Renaissance Festival, his name was engraved on the entrance of the City Hall in Durban alongside those of former president Nelson Mandela, late ANC leader Oliver Tambo, and seasoned musician Miriam Makeba, as well as other heroes of the liberation struggle.BLACK is my autobiography told through music and dance – Ngema
World-acclaimed writer, lyricist, composer and film producer Mbongeni Ngema will be telling his story in a new musical. Thina Bant’ Abamnyama will be officially launched at Mbongeni Ngema’s upcoming musical extravaganza at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg in September. Speaking to Sunday…

Renowned musician, composer and playwright Mbongeni Ngema has passed away at the age of 68.

According to a statement by Ngema’s family, he was returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki when the vehicle he had been travelling was involved in a head on collision on Wednesday evening.“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband and patriot”, the family said.

The legendary director received international acclaim for his musical play Sarafina, which highlighted the struggles of black South African youth during Apartheid.

Another of his known works is the hit song Stimela sase Zola.

“An entertaining artist of note, Ngema’s works reflected the spirit of resisitance during the Westwood’s of apartheid and liberation struggle.”

“The Ngema family, colleagues and friends are deeply devastated about Ngema’s passing.”NGEMA’S AWARDS
According to talent agency Michael Moore Agency, Sarafina was nominated for 5 Tony Awards

The internationally recognised musical won 11 NAACP Image Awards and ran for two years on Broadway before being adapted into a feature film.

In 1989 Sarafina was nominated for a Grammy Award under the category Best Musical Cast Show Album.

Legendary playwright, actor, musician and composer Mbongeni Ngema has died.
Ngema is known for his popular song “Stimela saseZola”, his multi-award winning play Sarafina and other productions such as Asinamali, Woza Albert, The House of Shaka, etc.
May he rest in peace.I am saddened and extremely shocked to hear about the sudden death of Mbongeni Ngema – a true legend and one of the greatest entertainers of our time! My heart goes out to his children and his family. 😭Ngema was a prolific actor and producer who wrote the highly acclaimed musical Sarafina.
#RIPMbongeniNgema

In a shocking turn of events, South Africa is reeling from the sudden demise of celebrated artist Mbongeni Ngema. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans and fellow celebrities grappling with grief.

Zakes Bantwini, a fellow artist and friend of Ngema, was among the first to confirm the heartbreaking news on social media. In a poignant post on X, Bantwini expressed his disbelief, writing, “Noooo man, not again.” The sentiment was echoed by fans and colleagues, as the news quickly spread across various social media platforms.

As news of Ngema’s passing continues to circulate, tributes are pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. The entertainment industry is uniting in mourning the loss of a creative force who played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of post-apartheid South Africa.

Details surrounding the circumstances of Ngema’s death remain scarce at this time. The family has yet to release an official statement, and fans are anxiously awaiting more information. Social media has become a platform for fans to share their condolences, memories, and expressions of sorrow.

The South African entertainment community is known for its tight-knit bonds, and Ngema’s passing has left a void that will be deeply felt. As the nation mourns the loss of a cultural icon, the legacy of Mbongeni Ngema will undoubtedly endure through the indelible mark he left on the arts in South Africa.

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