Mbongeni Ngema is a South African writer, lyricist, composer, director and theatre producer, born in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. He started his career as a theatre backing guitarist. He wrote the multi-award-winning musical Sarafina! and co-wrote the multi-award-winning Woza Albert!
Mbongeni Ngema has participated in a song called “Take This Song”, recorded with the reggae band Third World.
Mbongeni Ngema released Freedom is Coming Tomorrow (Remix) with Emtee, Saudi, Gigi Lamayne, Tamarsha, Reason, Blaklez & DJ Machaba Third World.
In 1996, the planned 12-month run of Sarafina II was canceled due to corruption allegations, which implicated Ngema as well as the Minister of Health Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Ngema was subsequently investigated for fraud.
Ngema composed a song called ” Amandiya” which was critical of how the Indian people of KwaZulu Natal were treating its employees and paying them a pittance. This song was banned by the high court in South Africa and later an age restriction of 18 was allowed for the song to be in circulation again.
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