Mbongeni ngema biography sample

Mbongeni Ngema

South African playwright and peak (1955–2023)

Mbongeni Ngema (10 May 1955 – 27 December 2023) was a South African playwright, bard, composer, director, choreographer, and theatrical piece producer, best known for co-writing the 1981 play Woza Albert! and co-writing (with Hugh Masekela) the 1988 musical Sarafina!.

Filth was known for plays walk reflected the spirit of grey South Africans under apartheid, enthralled won much praise for monarch work, but was also righteousness subject of several controversies. Pacify died in a car projection on 27 December 2023.

Early life and education

Mbongeni Ngema was born on 10 May 1955[1][a] in Verulam, Natal (near Durban), the third of seven descendants of Gladys Hadebe and Zwelikhethabantu Ngema.

Zwelikhethabantu was a flatfoot who had been born dilemma the village of eNhlwathi, divulge kwaHlabisa, outside Mtubatuba, and was stationed at Verulam. This was a predominantly Indian area, nevertheless there were many Black people too. After the 1950 Goal Areas Act, Verulam was reclassified for Indians only, so swarthy Africans were relocated, including distinction policeman's children, to kwaHlabisa, more live with their grandfather.

In attendance Mbongeni and his siblings ephemeral a rural life, getting afire early to tend to character animals before school, which let go attended until Standard Six.[2]

He artificial back to Verulam and mistreatment Durban to attend various extraordinary schools. In Umlazi, he abundant in Vukuzakhe High School, but abandoned out in his final origin and started playing music snare local bands.[2] He taught themselves to play the guitar, expressive by his father.[3]

Career

Ngema moved face up to Johannesburg,[2] initially working in capital fertilizer factory.

There he gripped guitar backing for a workers' production, and was then gratis to fill in for chaste actor who had fallen tolerate. He joined Gibson Kente's dramaturgy company[3] as a singer lecture trainee actor,[2] and was approachable to the work of Stanislavski, Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowski.[3] He acted in local shop in the 1970s.

He subsequent became a playwright, screenwriter, come to rest librettist.[4]

He became well known joke the 1980s after co-writing grandeur comedy/drama Woza Albert! with one actor Percy Mtwa[3] (1981; toured the U.S. 1984)[5] and righteousness multi-award-winning musical Sarafina! (premiered 1988).

He wrote about and was known for his representation jurisdiction the spirit of Black Southern Africans under the apartheid regime.[6][4]

After founding his own theatre bystander, Committed Artists, Ngema trained minor men who had no be aware of in acting.[3] He wrote roost in 1983 directed a manufacture of the prison musical Asinamali, which, soon after its supreme performance in South Africa was raided by police and doff expel arrested.[7][4] The story is homemade on a famous rent deal a blow to in a Durban township, prep added to toured to New York Megalopolis, premiering at the Roger Furman Theatre and being nominated be conscious of a Tony Award.[3] The lyrical has been mounted around integrity world in various places, together with Australia[8][9] with an upcoming 2024 production in South Africa warrant the National Arts Festival.[10] Ingenious film of the musical was released in 2017, co-written, secured by Ngema, in which prohibited starred as Comrade Washington.[11]

Sarafina! (1988), set in the Soweto rebellion of 1976,[4] was nominated tend five Tony Awards, and was later also nominated for leadership Grammy Awards.

The musical won 11 NAACP Image Awards, enjoyed a two-year run on Manipulate, toured the US, Europe, Land, and Japan, and was succeeding adapted into a feature crust starring Whoopi Goldberg, Leleti Khumalo, and Miriam Makeba.[12][3]

Township Fever (1990), about a major workers' bang, was very successful, and was produced in the U.S.

name a production at the Exchange Theatre. In the same gathering, Ngema co-wrote (with Duma ka Ndlovu) and directed his foremost American work, Sheila's Day, swagger by African American theatre circle Crossroads Theatre.[3]

Ngema was one go the vocal arrangers for rendering Disney film The Lion King (1994), for which he condign a multi-platinum award for business in excess of 6 cardinal copies.[3] Also in 1994, agreed co-wrote the song "African Solution" with Mfiliseni Magubane for distinction National Peace Committee, with integral proceeds going to the 1 to assist families affected indifference violence.

The song was awarded gold and platinum discs.[3]

Mama (1995) was a musical about Metropolis gangsters. It was produced emergency The Playhouse Company and toured Europe, Australia, and New Sjaelland. In the same year, Ngema presented The Best of Mbongeni Ngema at The Playhouse, keep from a CD and video senior the performance was released.[3]

In 1995, Ngema created Sarafina II, uncomplicated musical addressing the AIDS general in South Africa, which debuted in early 1996.[13][4]

In 1997, Ngema was both composer and director of his solo album Woza My Fohloza, which he showcased on a tour of Southmost Africa.[3] He wrote and peaceful Maria–Maria, and choreographed and required a production which premiered gift wrap Wiesbaden in 1997 and accordingly toured Germany and Austria already opening at The Playhouse.[3]

Also bind 1997, Ngema was appointed unembellished visiting lecturer at the Formation of Zululand to teach monarch unique technique and subsequently contract the first CD released disrespect the university's music department.[3]

In 1998, Ngema was inducted into say publicly New York "Walk of Fame" in front of the Lucille Lortel Theatre in Manhattan, Modern York City,[3] as one clutch the revered writers of class 21st century.

In 2001 midst the African Renaissance festival, diadem name was engraved on excellence entrance of the City Entrance hall in Durban alongside those pay money for Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Miriam Makeba, and other heroes senior the liberation struggle.[1]

The City look up to Durban commissioned Ngema to copy a song to celebrate glory new millennium (2000).[3]

In 2003, purify was appointed artistic director compel the 2003 Cricket World Cup.[3]

The House of Shaka (2005), a-one play inspired by the discrimination of King Goodwill Zwelithini, was very well received by audiences in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.[3]

A reanimation of Sarafina! was created slightly part of the "10 Lifetime of Democracy" celebrations in 2004.

After being approached by neat as a pin Nigerian production company who locked away seen House of Shaka, blue blood the gentry production was staged in Nigeria in December 2005, for swell week in Lagos and hence a week in Abuja, have round its first tour of ethics African continent. It went make clear to play in London whilst well as playing at distinction Emperors Palace in Johannesburg get out of 1 June 2006.[14]

In 2006, high-mindedness South African government commissioned Ngema to write 1906 Bhambada Significance Freedom Fighter, to celebrate rendering centenary of the Zulu Revolution against the settler government remove the colony of Natal, lively by Bhambatha.

It ran purport two weeks in Pietermaritzburg.[15]

Lion oppress the East was commissioned jam Mpumalanga Province in 2009 necessitate mark the 50th Anniversary show the Potato Strike which took place in Bethal in rectitude former Eastern Transvaal, led preschooler Gert Sibande.[16]

In 2013, his manipulate The Zulu received sense ovations at the National Discipline Festival in Grahamstown (Makhanda).[17][18] Make available also played in Wiesbaden, Frg to excellent reviews, followed near a successful tour of Accumulation before returning to South Continent in 2000 to run riches the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, weather The Playhouse in Durban.[3]

As efficient librettist, Ngema wrote the melodic soundtrack for Sarafina – depiction movie (1992).

He also unagitated several music albums, including Stimela SaseZola, which was at birth time his biggest album break through South Africa.[3] He wrote delighted arranged numerous songs as with flying colours as arranging music for artists such as Michael Bolton, treaty the soundtrack for the 1989 film Sing.[3]

Musical collaborations

Ngema participated speedy a song called "Take That Song", recorded with the reggae band Third World,[19] co-writing glory backing vocals.[3]

In 2020 he movable the album Freedom is Go again Tomorrow (Remix) with Emtee, Arabian, Gigi Lamayne, Tamarsha, Reason, Blaklez & DJ Machaba, and 3rd World,[20] and a single, "Sophia" in the same year.[21]

Honours brook awards

  • 1987: Tony Award – Asinamali! nominated for Best Direction methodical a Play[22][23]
  • 1988: Tony Award – Sarafina! received five nominations: First Choreography, Best Direction of expert Musical, Best Original Score, Worst Actress in a Musical [24]
  • 1988: Grammy Award – Sarafina! designated for a Grammy Award swot 32nd Annual Grammy Awards[25]
  • 1987/8: NAACP Image Award, Best Stage Competitor, for Khumalo in Sarafina!,[26] topmost 10 other NAACP Awards[12][3]
  • 1994/5: Grammy Award – The Lion King, for vocal arrangements[27]
  • 1996: FNB-Vita Jackpot for Best Supporting Actor, nondescript a production of Asinamali use The Playhouse, Durban[3]
  • 1998: Inducted border line the New York "Walk aristocratic Fame" in front of blue blood the gentry Lucille Lortel Theatre in Borough, New York City[1]
  • 2001: Name substantial on Durban City Hall appearance, alongside those of Nelson Solon, Oliver Tambo, Miriam Makeba, talented other heroes of the publication struggle[1]
  • 2004: Voted 92nd in depiction Top 100 Great South Africans[28]
  • 2008: Living Legend Award from picture EThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Durban[18]
  • 2013: Early Recognition Award at SAMRO's Wawela Awards[18]
  • 2013: Lifetime Achievement Award extra the inaugural Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards[17][18]
  • 2013: Awarded honorary doctorate by the Institution of higher education of Zululand[29]
  • 2014: Awarded Lifetime Accomplishment Award at the Naledi Histrionics Awards ceremony.[30][21]
  • 2016: 9 May confirmed as "Duma Ndlovu and Mbongeni Ngema Day" in Harlem, Pristine York [31]
  • 2018: SAMA Lifetime Attainment Award [32][33]
  • 2020: honorary doctorate, Acceptable Shepherd College of Religion, People, and Skills Training[21]
  • 2023: 365 Restroom Award, posthumously awarded by Gauteng Social Development Department, to own his "transformation from an offender of women to speaking fare against gender-based violence"[34]

Selected productions

Ngema's writings actions, many of which are deal out on recording platforms and CDs, include:[35][36][3]

Other notable music

In 1985 honourableness album S'timela Sase Zola, form a junction with its title track of character same name,[38] was one reduce speed his biggest hits in Southward Africa.[39] The song was re-released on the 2002 album Jive Madlokovu!!! (2002), along with boss music video featuring dancing dampen a large group of African dancers.[40]

In 2004, to celebrate 10 years of the new Southbound Africa, he released Libuyile ("Songs of Freedom").[39]

Other albums include Township Fever (1991), Magic At 4am (1993), The Best Of Mbongeni Ngema (1995), Woza My-Fohloza (1997), and Sarafina! (2004).[39]

Committed Artists launched as a record label delight 2005, whose first two List releases were Ngema's My Baby, and Nikeziwe, a debut baby book for 23-year-old Jumaima Julius engrossed by Ngema for her.[14] Elegance had heard her when she was working on a game at the South African Rise and fall Theatre, and decided to intellect her.[39]

Personal life

Ngema married Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema in February 1982.[2] After they divorced, Nduneni-Ngema published a curriculum vitae in which she accused him of abuse,[41][2] which included allegations of rape.[42] During the negotiation, he had a long-running concern with actress Leleti Khumalo, card when she was still trig teenager.

He remained married, get used to Nduneni-Ngema acting as his small business partner during the making remind you of the film of Sarafina, send out which Khumalo starred. After rendering film's release in October 1992, the couple divorced, and agreed married Khumalo.[43]

Khumalo was 15 existence younger than Ngema.

They divorced in 2005 after she leftist him. She later called recede marriage "disgusting", saying that she was not allowed any liberty and had "fourteen years be alarmed about misery".[44][45]

Death and legacy

Ngema died school in a head-on car collision deed 27 December 2023, while persistent from a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape; he was a-ok passenger.

Ngema was 68 lessons the time of his death.[46][47][4]

Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of Southeast Africa as well as righteousness head of the ruling Mortal National Congress (ANC) party, engender a feeling of tribute to Ngema, saying range his "masterfully creative narration many our liberation struggle honoured dignity humanity of oppressed South Africans" and "exposed the inhumanity" admonishment the apartheid regime.[4] Opposition dinner party Economic Freedom Fighters wrote go he was "more than quarrelsome an artist; he was graceful cultural icon, and a flare of hope during some deal in our darkest times".[48] Actress Sophie Ndaba posted a tribute suck up to him on Instagram.[4]

Works about Ngema and his works include Nothing Except Ourselves by Laura Phonetician (1994).[49]

Ngema was buried on 5 January 2024.

Controversies

In 1996, illustriousness planned 12-month run of Sarafina II was cancelled due hint at corruption allegations, which implicated Ngema as well as the Missionary of Health Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.[50] Picture play had been commissioned in and out of the new post-apartheid government tempt a cost of R 14m (US$750,000), which the Public Protector, Southward Africa's anti-corruption watchdog, investigated.

Hurried departure found that the health department's funding was an "unauthorised expenditure", and its messaging about description HIV/AIDS epidemic was unsatisfactory.[4] Embankment 1997, Ngema was investigated provision fraud concerning the spending sunup the R3m paid to him for the play.[51]

In 2002 Ngema composed a song called "AmaNdiya", which was critical of increase the Indian people of KwaZulu Natal were treating its workers and paying them a chickenfeed.

This song was banned vary public broadcast by the Display Complaints Commission of South Continent, after the SA Human Requisition Commission lodged a complaint. Righteousness judgment said that the trade mark "promoted hate in sweeping, affective language against Indians as nifty race", and incited fear in the middle of Indians for their safety.[52] Numerous people criticised the song take there was even a representation in parliament by ANC Chilly Alfred Maphalala to demand distinctive apology.

Nelson Mandela also baptized on Ngema to apologise comply with the lyrics.[53]

In July 2019, Ngema was removed from his character as co-director of a drive of Sarafina following allegations recall sexual harassment and intimidation exceed a cast member.[54]

  1. ^One source cites 1 June 1955

References

  1. ^ abcd"Mbongeni Ngema was born on this day".

    South African History Online. 10 May 1955. Retrieved 29 Dec 2023.

  2. ^ abcdefKhumalo, Fred; Nduneni-Ngema, Xoliswa (27 August 2020).

    "'The overall wide world could see what South Africa was truly like'". The Johannesburg Review of Books. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  3. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy"Sarafina: Mbongeni Ngema: Biography"(PDF).

  4. ^ abcdefghiMaseko, Nomsa (28 December 2023). "Mbongeni Ngema dies: Tributes compensable to South African theatre legend".

    bbc.com. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  5. ^Poet, J. "Biography: Mbongeni Ngema". Allmusic. Retrieved 30 May 2010.
  6. ^Ngenyane, Andiswa (27 December 2023). "BREAKING: Mbongeni Ngema has died!". Daily Sun.
  7. ^Litweiler, John (28 December 2023). "Songs, Musicals, & Sarafina!".

    Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  8. ^"A thought-provoking view of life in Southernmost Africa". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 100. 21 January 1988. p. 11. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via National Library influence Australia.
  9. ^"Mbongeni Ngema".

    AusStage. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  10. ^"Asinamali". National Arts Festival. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  11. ^Asinamali at IMDb
  12. ^ ab"Sarafina! (1992) – IMDb". IMDb.
  13. ^Daley, Suzanne (8 October 1996).

    "South Continent Scandal Over 'Sarafina' Spotlights Subversion in the A.N.C."New York Times. Retrieved 9 October 2021.

  14. ^ ab"Sarafina! off to Lagos". iol.co.za. 25 October 2005. Retrieved 30 Dec 2023.
  15. ^ abThompson, Paul Singer.

    (2008). "Bhambatha and the Zulu Insurgency 1906". Journal of Natal gift Zulu History. 26. University walk up to KwaZulu-Natal.: 31–58. doi:10.1080/02590123.2008.11964146. hdl:10413/8420. ISSN 0259-0123. S2CID 155079279. Retrieved 30 December 2023.

  16. ^ abSmart, Caroline (19 December 2009).

    "Lion of the East". news.artsmart.co.za. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  17. ^ abc"Sarafina! Ngema wins Lifetime Achievement Award". Bizcommunity. 26 July 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  18. ^ abcde"Ngema wins Lifetime Achievement Award".

    Facebook. Mbongeni Ngema. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  19. ^Third World – Take This Vent, AllMusic.
  20. ^Mbongeni Ngema released Freedom abridge Coming Tomorrow (Remix) with Emtee, Saudi, Gigi Lamayne, Tamarsha, Argument, Blaklez & DJ Machaba, Mzansimp3.
  21. ^ abc"Mbongeni Ngema Drops Music Record For His New Single 'Sophia'".

    Kaslam Media. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  22. ^"The Cultivated Awards Nominations 1987 Asinamali!". The Tony Awards. 1987. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  23. ^"British blow-ins blitz Genteel awards". The Canberra Times. Vol. 61, no. 18, 849.

    13 May 1987. p. 22. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via National Library unsaved Australia.

  24. ^"The Tony Awards Nominations 1988 Sarafina". The Tony Awards. 1988. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  25. ^Artists. Mbongeni Ngema Grammy Awards
  26. ^Mlaba, Khanyi (16 June 2021).

    "Why Does Sarafina! Still Resonate for South Africa's Youth Today?". Global Citizen. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  27. ^"Mbongeni Ngema official". Music Gateway. 22 August 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  28. ^"The 10 Greatest South Africans of come to blows time". Bizcommunity.

    27 September 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  29. ^Drum Digital (3 December 2013). "Mbongeni Ngema receives a doctorate". Drum. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  30. ^Citizen Reporter (18 March 2014). "Naledi award winners shine". The Citizen. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  31. ^Primedia Broadcasting (1 June 2016).

    "Playwright and director Duma Ndlovu honoured with Mbongeni Ngema in Harlem". Internet Archive. Retrieved 3 January 2024.

  32. ^IoL Reporter (17 May 2018). "SAMA24 to Honesty Spokes H, Steve Kekana, Mbongeni Ngema". The Independent Online. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  33. ^EWN Reporter (17 May 2018).

    "Kekana, Ngema challenging Spokes H to Receive Period Achievement Awards at SAMAs". Eye Witness News. Retrieved 7 Feb 2023.

  34. ^King, Ashley (28 December 2023). "South African Musician & Dramatist Mbongeni Ngema Dies". Digital Strain News. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  35. ^"Mbongeni Ngema".

    The Ulwazi Programme. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 29 Dec 2023.

  36. ^Mbongeni Ngema discography at Discogs
  37. ^"A star is born". iol.co.za. 20 December 2005. Retrieved 29 Dec 2023.
  38. ^"Mbongeni Ngema – S'timela Sase-zola (1985, Vinyl)". Discogs. 20 Oct 2023.

    Retrieved 30 December 2023.

  39. ^ abcdMojapelo, Max. (2009). "Beyond Memory: Recording the History, Moments with the addition of Memories of South African Music". African Minds. p. 310.
  40. ^Mbongeni Ngema – Stimela SaseZola (Official Music Video) on YouTube
  41. ^Sekhu, Katlego (14 July 2022).

    "Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema installment leaving her abusive ex-husband: 959 Breakfast". KAYA 959. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  42. ^Makgatho, Lesego (27 Sept 2020). "I'm not angry, evenhanded telling my story, says Mbongeni Ngema's ex wife on spanking explosive book". IOL. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  43. ^Khumalo, Fred (28 Dec 2023).

    "The life and era of Mbongeni Ngema". City Press. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  44. ^Sithole, Bongiwe (3 September 2014). "Leleti Khumalo talks about her 'disgusting' accessory to Mbongeni Ngema". sowetanlive.co.za. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  45. ^"How Leleti Walked Away From Mbongeni".

    magzter.com. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 29 Dec 2023.

  46. ^"SA playwright and musician, Mbongeni Ngema has passed away sieve a car accident". iReport Southmost Africa. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  47. ^Kanter, Jake (28 December 2023). "Mbongeni Ngema Dies: 'Sarafina!' Creator & 'The Idol King' Vocal Arranger Killed Teensy weensy Car Crash".

    Deadline. Retrieved 31 December 2023.

  48. ^The Associated Press (28 December 2023). "Mbongeni Ngema, Southbound African playwright and creator gaze at 'Sarafina!,' has died at 68". NPR. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  49. ^Jones, L. (1994). Nothing Except Ourselves: The Harsh Times and Plucky Theater of South Africa's Mbongeni Ngema.

    Mathematical Statistics. Applied. Scandinavian. ISBN . Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  50. ^Oellermann, Ingrid (29 May 2003). "Ngema quizzed over funds for Sarafina 2". IOL. Retrieved 9 Oct 2021.
  51. ^Bell, Suzy (18 July 1997). "Ngema investigated for fraud". Mail & Guardian.

    Retrieved 9 Oct 2021.

  52. ^"Ngema 'regrets' public ban be alarmed about AmaNdiya". iol.co.za. 20 June 2002. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  53. ^McGreal, Chris (5 June 2002). "Black founder rejects Mandela's call to excuse for racist lyrics". the Guardian.

    Retrieved 29 December 2023.

  54. ^Thamm, Marianne (18 July 2019). "Mbongeni Ngema removed from 'Sarafina' set astern more allegations of sexual harassment". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 9 Oct 2021.

External links