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.
Popular people from Ngema last name
Bonginhlanhla Ngema (Technology/Finance)
Software Developer at Alexander Forbes maintaining products managing billions in assets. Previously worked as Full-stack Developer at eCert South Africa on Department of Agriculture projects, and at TRAQ enhancing web applications for debt collection optimization. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from University of KwaZulu-Natal (2020). [citation:5]