Mbongeni Ngema Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children, Death, Songs, Awards

Mbongeni Ngema was a renowned South African playwright, composer, and director who gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking works highlighting black South Africans’ struggles and resilience during apartheid.

He became widely known for co-writing the 1981 play “Woza Albert!” and creating the 1988 musical “Sarafina!” with Hugh Masekela.

“Sarafina!” was especially significant, as it portrayed the 1976 Soweto uprising and was later adapted into a successful film starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Profile

• – Full name: Mbongeni Ngema
• – Date of birth: May 10, 1955
• – Age as of 2024: Deceased (would be 69 years old)
• – Gender: Male
• – Place of birth: Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• – Nationality: South African
• – Profession: Playwright, Composer, Director, Producer, Actor
• – Height: N/A
• – Parents: Gladys Hadebe and Zwelikhethabantu Ngema
• – Siblings: N/A
• – Spouse: Previously married to Leleti Khumalo
• – Children: Sabelo Ngema
• – Relationship status: Married
• – Religion: N/A
• – Ethnicity: Zulu
• – Net worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Mbongeni Ngema, now posthumously at the age of 69, was born on May 10, 1955, in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to parents, Gladys Hadebe and Zwelikhethabantu Ngema.

His father was a policeman. He grew up with his seven siblings in a family with a rich heritage of traditional storytelling, which greatly influenced his later work. Ngema‘s early life was deeply rooted in Zulu culture, and he was inspired by the stories he learned from his great-grandmother.

This cultural foundation significantly shaped his artistic vision. Details about his formal education are not widely documented, but his early exposure to the arts and local theatre groups laid the groundwork for his prolific career.

Personal Life

Mbongeni Ngema was previously married to actress Leleti Khumalo, who starred in the leading role in “Sarafina!” and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance.

The couple’s marriage and collaboration in the arts were well-known, although they eventually divorced. Ngema has a son named Sabelo Ngema Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, whom he married in 1983 and divorced in 1992.

Career

Ngema‘s career began with his involvement in local theatre groups in the late 1970s. In 1981, he gained significant attention with the play “Woza Albert!” which he co-wrote and performed. The play received international acclaim and won numerous awards.

However, the musical “Sarafina!” catapulted him to global fame. Premiering on Broadway in 1988, “Sarafina!” was a powerful depiction of the Soweto uprising and received multiple Tony Award nominations. The 1992 film adaptation further cemented Ngema’s reputation as a pivotal art figure.

Ngema continued to create impactful works, including “Asinamali!” “House of Shaka”, and “The Zulu”. He also composed music for Disney’s “The Lion King” and produced several successful albums. His contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous awards and honours throughout his career.

Awards

• – Tony Award nominations for “Sarafina!” (1988)
• – Grammy Award nomination for “Sarafina!” soundtrack
• – NAACP Image Awards for “Sarafina!”
• – Multi-platinum award for “The Lion King” soundtrack
• – Inducted into the New York “Walk of Fame” (1998)
• – FNB-Vita Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Asinamali” (1996)
• – Honorary Doctorate from the Good Shepherd College of Religion, Culture, and Skills Training
• – Life Time Achievement Award at the Naledi Awards (2014)

Net Worth

According to sources, Mbongeni Ngema’s net worth at the time of his death is estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth was primarily accumulated through his successful theatre, music, and film career.

Death

Mbongeni Ngema passed away on December 27, 2023, at 68. He died in a car accident while returning from a funeral in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Mbongeni Ngema was not immune to controversy. One notable scandal involved accusations of misogyny and verbal abuse. In the early 2000s, several female colleagues accused Ngema of creating a hostile work environment.

These allegations brought significant media attention and sparked debates about gender dynamics in the South African arts community. Despite these controversies, Ngema maintained his influential status in the theatre world.

Additionally, his political views and outspoken nature often placed him at the centre of public debates. Ngema‘s works frequently addressed the harsh realities of apartheid, which sometimes led to clashes with authorities and censorship issues. His play “Asinamali!” faced restrictions and backlash from the apartheid regime due to its critical portrayal of the government.

In 2006, Ngema faced legal issues related to a failed business venture. He was involved in a dispute over managing The KZN Music House, which he helped establish.

The controversy involved financial mismanagement allegations and strained his relationship with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture.

Social Media

• – Instagram: N/A
• – Twitter: N/A

Filmography

• – Sarafina! (1992)
• – Asinamali (2017)

Discography

• – Sarafina! – The Soundtrack
• – Stimela SaseZola
• – Freedom is Coming Tomorrow (Remix)