Latest news with #MbongeniNgema
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
A ‘cultural warrior' remembered: Joburg Theatre launches the Mbongeni Ngema Festival
The festival opened on 1 June with the unveiling of Ngema's star on the Diamond Walk of Fame. A person's influence and contributions to society become more evident after they've died; this is evinced in how others elongate their legacy after their demise. Renowned South African playwright Dr Mbongeni Ngema is one of those, as the Joburg Theatre is honouring him through the inaugural Mbongeni Ngema Festival. 'Dr Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer; he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty,' said Artistic Director at Joburg City Theatres James Ngcobo. 68-year-old Ngema passed away in a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on the evening of 27 December 2023. 'As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy.' The Mbongeni Ngema Festival kicked off on the first of this month, and the opening day was marked by the unveiling of Ngema's star on the theatre's diamond walk of fame. Sunday was also the opening of the theatre production, Sarafina! ALSO READ: SABC accused of stealing Mbongeni Ngema's TV show idea and could face legal action Sarafina! and the G20 Summit The Joburg Theatre is staging Ngema's Sarafina! running until 15 June. The play is directed by Mpho Molelpo, choreographed by Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema. Ngcobo says the staging of the politically inspired play is a bold cultural statement, considering the city plans to host the G20 Summit later this year. 'As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement,' he said. 'It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role as an economic powerhouse and a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.' ALSO READ: Why Sarafina's soundtrack could be just better than the actual film The Zulu Another of Ngema's plays, The Zulu, will be performed on the Joburg Theatre stage during the playwright's festival. The two-hander is led by actors Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele. The Zulu delves deep into the history of the Zulu nation. 'In programming this production at Joburg Theatre, we aimed to honour Mbongeni Ngema's contributions, as they encapsulate the diverse traditions that have influenced the community, fostering a deep connection to their significant legacy,' shared Ngcobo. The Zulu opens this Friday night and will run until the festival's completion on 22 June. NOW READ: Sarafina! becomes first SA film to return to Cannes Film Festival after 30 years
eNCA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Mbongeni Ngema's classic 'Sarafina' returns to the stage
JOHANNESBURG - Award-winning musical, Sarafina, has dazzled audiences across the globe since 1987. WATCH | Mbongeni Ngema | Somizi pays tribute to Sarafina! creator Furthermore, for the first time since the passing of legendary playwright Mbongeni Ngema, the iconic production returns to the Joburg Theatre. A new generation of performers is stepping into the spotlight to honour a timeless legacy. eNCA reporter Naomi Kobbie filed this report.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mbongeni Ngema's 'Sarafina' set to illuminate Joburg Theatre stage
Sarafina, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr Mbongeni Ngema, will be on stage at the Joburg Theatre. Joburg Theatre proudly celebrates the life and legacy of one of South Africa's greatest cultural icons with a powerful staging of Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina, running from May 30 to June 15, 2025. Originally conceived, written, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina is a timeless masterpiece that captured the heartbeat of a generation. This tribute production honours his enduring impact on theatre, music, and social change, and reignites the revolutionary spirit of a story that continues to inspire across the globe. Directed by the acclaimed Mpho Molepo with choreography by the dynamic Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, this new staging revives the Broadway-acclaimed musical with fresh energy, paying homage to the Ngema family's extraordinary artistic legacy. Set in Soweto during the historic 1976 student uprising, Sarafina is a vibrant, emotionally charged retelling of youth resistance against apartheid oppression. Through its electrifying performances, stirring music, and deeply human storytelling, the show celebrates the courage of South Africa's youth and honours the unsung heroines who shaped the nation's journey toward freedom. As we mark this special tribute season, Sarafina returns not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a heartfelt salute to the visionary genius of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, whose work transcended the stage and became the voice of a generation.
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Reviving a Cultural Milestone as Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina! Set to Illuminate Joburg Theatre Stage This May
Joburg Theatre proudly celebrates the life and legacy of one of South Africa's greatest cultural icons with a powerful staging of Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina, running from May 30 to June 15, 2025. Originally conceived, written, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr. Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina is a timeless masterpiece that captured the heartbeat of a generation. This tribute production honours his enduring impact on theatre, music, and social change, and reignites the revolutionary spirit of a story that continues to inspire across the globe. Directed by the acclaimed Mpho Molepo with choreography by the dynamic Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, this new staging revives the Broadway-acclaimed musical with fresh energy, paying homage to the Ngema family's extraordinary artistic legacy. Set in Soweto during the historic 1976 student uprising, Sarafina is a vibrant, emotionally charged retelling of youth resistance against apartheid oppression. Through its electrifying performances, stirring music, and deeply human storytelling, the show celebrates the courage of South Africa's youth and honours the unsung heroines who shaped the nation's journey toward freedom. As we mark this special tribute season, Sarafina returns not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a heartfelt salute to the visionary genius of Dr. Mbongeni Ngema whose work transcended the stage and became the voice of a generation. Join us at Joburg Theatre for this unforgettable celebration of a legend, a legacy, and a nation's spirit. 'Dr. Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer, he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty. As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy. Celebrating him through Sarafina is a powerful reminder of how art can shape a nation's consciousness, and how one man's vision can echo across generations.' Said James Ngcobo, Artistic Director, Joburg City Theatres As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement. It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role not just as an economic powerhouse but as a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sheppie High presents Sarafina
Sarafina is a vibrant and moving musical by Mbongeni Ngema that tells the story of a young woman. It depicts the experiences of black South African students during the 1976 Soweto Uprising against apartheid. The play is celebrated for its powerful music, energetic dance, and strong message of resistance and hope. It premiered in 1987 and has been performed worldwide, including on Broadway. Get ready to be dazzled by Port Shepstone High's amazing cast: Mpilwenhle Bhengu as the 'shining star' Sarafina; Mawusive Gqumani as 'Crocodile' who represents a young, politically conscious student leader; Sameer Singh as 'Lieutenant' – a symbol of authority and power; Zithobile Nzimakwe as 'Teaspoon' – a young girl who challenges the status quo; Kamva Mabaso as 'Colgate – a vibrant young student who actively participates in the protests and Lelethu Mokoatle – a student activist. This is a not to be missed drama at the school hall today and tomorrow from 18:00 – 20:00. Tickets are available at R50 each from the school's payments office, or the at door. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
