South Africa mourns loss of Sarafina! maestro Mbongeni Ngema

Ngema’s death, resulting from a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, was officially confirmed by his family in a statement, which disclosed that Ngema, a passenger in the vehicle, was returning from a funeral at the time of the tragic incident.

Eastern Cape police say they are currently investigating a case of culpable homicide following the accident. 

“Police responded to an accident scene on the R61 road between Mbizana and Magusheni and, on arrival, they found three people including the driver in a serious condition,” Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa said. “It is alleged a white Renault sedan was driving from Lusikisiki to Durban when they were involved in an accident involving a truck. The three people were rushed to hospital for treatment. The deceased [Ngema], who was one of the passengers, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and the other two including the driver are still at hospital.”

Since news of his passing broke, tributes have poured in for Ngema, whose contributions span theatre, film, and music, including from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who lauded the artist's work for how much it has “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.”

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party said the country has lost “a true legend, a doyen, and a genuine ambassador of theatre,” while the Economic Freedom Fighters party described him as “more than just an artist; he was a cultural icon and a beacon of hope during some of our darkest times.”

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, emphasised that Ngema’s creations have resonated with global audiences, significantly contributing to narrating the South African story.

Broadcaster and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, who starred in Sarafina!, said: “This one hits the hardest. My master is gone. The man behind the reason I’m multi-talented. The man behind the reason I’m always punctual, disciplined, professional, dedicated, passionate, and my work ethic. The man who discovered me at age 12 and took a risk. The man who gave me my first role as dance captain and later co-choreographer for Sarafina the stage and movie production at age 17.”

Ngema’s artistic journey started in the 1970s, joining Gibson Kente’s theatre company as a singer and trainee actor. Immersed in the techniques of Stanislavsky, Peter Brook, and Jerzy Grotowski, he later transitioned to playwriting, screenwriting, and libretto composition, gaining prominence in the 1980s.

Teaming up with Percy Mtwa, Ngema co-wrote the acclaimed Woza Albert! (1981) and Sarafina! (1988), capturing the essence of Black South Africans during apartheid. Following its Broadway debut, Sarafina! was transformed into a musical drama featuring famed American actress Whoopi Goldberg in 1992, achieving international acclaim with Tony and Grammy award nominations. Ngema’s other notable efforts include 1983’s Tony-nominated Asinamali, based on a Durban rent strike. In 1994, Ngema also served as a vocal arranger for Disney’s The Lion King.