Who Is Mbongeni Ngema Ex-Wife?: South African musician, composer, choreographer, theatre producer, and playwright Mbongeni Ngema has passed away
A statement shared by his family confirmed Ngema, 68, died in the evening of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in a head-on collision while returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband and a patriot, Mbongeni Ngema,” the family said in a statement.
“Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident whilst returning from attending a funeral” in Eastern Cape province, the statement added. He was a passenger in the vehicle.
Who Is Mbongeni Ngema Ex-Wife?
It’s unclear to us whether Mbongeni Ngema was married at the time of his passing and it’s also unclear the number of wives the celebrated South African composer married.
Ngema was married to Leleti Khumalo from 1992 until they separated/divorced in 2005. Leleti was born on March 30, 1970. She’s a South African actress known for her leading role in the movie and stage play Sarafina!.
Her other film credits include; Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday, and Invictus, as well as the soap opera Imbewu: The Seed where she plays Nokubonga “MaZulu” Bhengu and on Uzalo as MaNzuza.
In 2020, Mbongeni Ngema’s ex-wife Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema published memoirs in which she detailed instances of alleged abuse and rape committed by Ngema.
Born in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, Ngema began his illustrious career as a theatre backing guitarist before acting in theatres in the 1970s.
Over the years, he became well-known for his plays that reflected the resilience of black South Africans under apartheid.
In 1981, he co-wrote the popular satirical play Woza Albert, which was followed by the musical Asinamali two years later.
Both shows were well received by audiences in America, paving the way for the massive success of Sarafina in 1987, which told the story of the 1976 Soweto uprising.
In that same year, he was nominated for a Tony award as best director for Asinamali, followed by three more nods as best director, best score, and best choreographer for Sarafina as well as a Grammy nomination.
His other works include the movie adaptation of Sarafina and the choir direction of the animation feature, The Lion King.
In 1998, Ngema was inducted into the New York Hall of Fame as one of the revered writers of the 21st century.
He has also composed several music albums including Township Fever, Laduma, Woza My Fohloza, and Jive Madlokovu, where you will find the famous Stimela Sase Zola.
In 2014, Ngema received a lifetime achievement award from the Naledi Theatre Awards. In 2018, he expressed joy at knowing that his work would outlive him.
His legacy includes discovering and mentoring many South African actors who have become household names in the industry.
In September this year, Ngema’s latest theatre production ‘Black’ premiered at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Place, in Gauteng.
With a cast of 30 performers, dancers, and a 10-piece band, Ngema’s life story was told using the power of performance to share his journey and experiences.
Following the news of his passing, fellow industry peers, colleagues, and well-wishers flooded social media to share their fond memories of him.
TV host and entertainment reporter Jen Su shared their very first interview at the Cannes Film Festival, and wrote: “RIP Mbongeni Ngema – a true inspiration and talent, who will always be in our hearts.”
Putco Mafani, station manager at Rhythm FM posted a picture of the two alongside a note, reading: “Mbongeni Ngema was a World Music Icon.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko said, “I’m truly sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Mbongeni Ngema in a car accident during the festive, as he was returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, especially during moments meant for celebration & reflection.”
I’m truly sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Mbongeni Ngema in a car accident during the festive, as he was returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, especially during moments meant for celebration & reflection. pic.twitter.com/47F9Z9RphP
— Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko (@NkomoNomantu) December 28, 2023
While paying tribute to her friend, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle revealed that it was Ngema who composed the jingle for her ‘Felicia Show.’
Source: Ghgossip.com
Categories: News
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
