PASSING OF MBONGENI NGEMA
It is with shock and profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of Mbongeni Ngema in a car accident earlier today.
Mbongeni and I became friends 36 years ago when we met at the Market Theatre where SARAFINA! had just debuted. I was awestruck by the show, his creativity and his talent; and thought that it would make a fantastic film and I ultimately acquired the film rights.
As we travelled the world, and I have fond memories of our trips to the United States, United Kingdom and Europe as the show successfully toured. The most memorable is the world premiere of SARAFINA! at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 where the film received a 20-minute standing ovation with him, Miriam Makeba, Leleti Khumalo and the production team in attendance.
It was a spellbinding story of freedom. But what many forget is that the inspiration went all the way back to Nelson Mandela. The story of SARAFINA! is a celebration of the day Mandela was released – a somewhat outlandish notion for 1987, when the man himself was in prison for life and with images of and articles about him still banned. At the time SARAFINA! debuted, it seemed that there was no chance of Mandela ever walking free – no one had even seen a photo of him for years – yet the kids in SARAFINA! all had his picture pasted up on the walls of their homes.
Mbongeni had crafted the musical with immense care and ingenious creativity. The obvious influences were both Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and indeed part of the message was about the strength of Winnie and young women in general, which became a central theme of SARAFINA! He collaborated with the legendary Hugh Masekela on the music for SARAFINA! which gave it an international flavour.
We have lost a trailblazing creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of South Africa under apartheid to a global audience using the theatre as a platform.
Mbongeni was one of South Africa’s finest multi-talented creatives – a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer and theatre producer. He has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and the creative industries as a whole. This is clearly demonstrated by the timelessness of SAFAFINA! the film, which is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and it holds the distinction of being invited twice by the Cannes Film Festival to screen in its Official Selection – first in 1992 and then in May this year in the Cannes Classics section.
Mbongeni was an inspiration and mentored many young artists who are now household names. His passing leaves a deep void but he leaves a rich legacy that will endure for posterity.
My heartfelt condolences go to the Ngema family, his friends and colleagues.
May his soul rest in peace.
