With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Mbongeni Ngema, a cultural legend, a visionary artist, and a cherished friend. His exceptional talent knew no bounds, and his commitment to social change, and his lifelong passion for storytelling defined his remarkable journey. The world of theatre and entertainment will forever be transformed by Mbongeni’s influence. The enduring impact of Sarafina his masterpiece, lies in its exploration of the human soul and its powerful call for justice. As a creative maestro, he mesmerised audiences and sparked meaningful dialogues about the significance of freedom, equality, and the unyielding human spirit.

By Mbangwa Xaba

As the sun gracefully descended beneath the horizon, a tranquil evening unfolded, offering relief after a scorching day. Yet, it also brought a sombre atmosphere, as a shadowy cloud settled upon us, leaving our hearts fractured and heavy with sorrow.

On the gloomy evening of Wednesday, December 27, a heavy shroud of sorrow enveloped the hearts of many upon receiving the news of Mbongeni Ngema’s passing which has left behind a profound emptiness that echoed far beyond the confines of the entertainment industry.

The news hit us like a thunderclap, shaking us to our very souls. It echoed through our hearts, leaving us stunned and shaken. I, like everyone else who had the privilege of knowing him, felt the impact deep within me.

Just as our friendship was starting to blossom, a sudden realisation hit me like a mighty storm, dimming the bright possibilities and promise of shared endeavours and the bright future he had envisioned and was excited about.

Ngema, was a true polymath, a limitless source of knowledge in all artistic and cultural aspects – playwright, director, composer, and singer – had not only engraved his legacy in the history of theatrical excellence but had also dedicated himself to nurturing the upcoming wave of gifted individuals.

The Mbongeni Ngema Arts Academy, which is set to open its doors in January, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the enrichment of young minds. His legacy, an embroidery woven with the success stories of proteges like Leleti Khumalo, exemplified his profound impact on the entertainment industry.

Our friendship had taken on a professional dimension, with Ngema extending an invitation to collaborate in the communication space to further his ambitious objective of leveraging the arts and entertainment industry for economic development. His vision was clear – a future where the creative arts not only flourished but also played a pivotal role in the socioeconomic growth of the nation.

He invited me to the opening of his latest production, iMbube on Friday, December 15. In the hallowed halls of Durban’s Playhouse, on that poignant evening, Mbongeni Ngema’s iMbube unfolded its rich tapestry of narratives, weaving together the echoes of a bygone era and the timeless struggles of artists.

As a privileged guest of Ngema, I witnessed not just a play, but a powerful homage to the indomitable spirit of the South African musical heritage.

The story was told in a moving tale a resilient spirit of Jabulani, a self-taught luminary who traversed the shadows of his father’s legacy to emerge as a formidable presence in the Isicathamiya fraternity.

The resonance of iMbube goes far beyond the stage, echoing the sentiments of Madlokovu, the venerable Mbongeni Ngema himself. In the aftermath of the performance, as Madlokovu graciously thanked the audience, his words transcended the footlights, carrying a plea that this production would embark on a journey across our nation and beyond, echoing like a resounding anthem in the hearts of artists. A lesson, a warning, a call to arms to protect the sanctity of their craft.

The heart of iMbube beats to the rhythm of a tragic tale, a lament for Solomon Linda, the unsung maestro behind the iconic song that soared to unprecedented heights. Yet, the story took on a hauntingly contemporary hue as it unfolded, mirroring the plight of Zahara, a modern-day songstress who found herself ensnared in the web of exploitation. Ngema’s play became a poignant tribute to Linda and an impassioned plea for artists to reclaim their worth.

As the curtains fell, Madlokovu, with the weight of a liberation activist and the wisdom of a sage, shared a wish that resonated in the hearts of all present. He drew a parallel between Linda’s tragic choice to sell his rights for a pittance and Zahara’s untimely demise, urging artists to guard their creations fiercely. Ngema’s words echoed like a rallying cry, a call for justice in an industry where exploitation has become an all-too-familiar refrain.

In the theatre’s dimming lights, my mind journeyed through the annals of Ngema’s illustrious career, a career dedicated to the liberation of South Africans from the shackles of apartheid. From the revolutionary beats of Woza Albert to the legal battlegrounds of Asinamali and the global resonance of Sarafina, Madlokovu had been a harbinger of change, giving voice to the silenced, and a champion for the downtrodden.

As a friend who has shared moments of laughter and reflection with this luminary, I pen this tribute to Mbongeni Ngema. A man whose life’s work transcends the footlights, a visionary who uses the stage as a pulpit for justice, and a friend whose presence in the world is an enduring beacon of inspiration. May his legacy continue to echo in the hearts of those who strive for a world where the artists’ voices are heard, their creations revered, and their worth celebrated.

Madlokovu ‘s passing is not merely a loss for those who admired his artistic genius; it disrupts the very fabric of numerous projects and dims the bright prospects he envisioned for the future. The arts, under his guidance, were not just a source of cultural richness but a catalyst for economic transformation. His commitment to nurturing talent and propelling the industry forward was an investment in the potential of countless young people, who now find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the void left by his untimely departure.

As a friend, I mourn the loss of a visionary whose laughter echoed with the joy of creation, and whose determination was a driving force behind the scenes. Ngema’s impact on the entertainment industry and economic development was not confined to the spotlight; it was a force that shaped narratives, empowered individuals, and promised a brighter tomorrow.

In the wake of his passing, let us not only remember Stimela SaseZola for his artistic brilliance but also for the dreams he dared to dream for an entire generation. May his legacy endure, inspiring others to pick up the torch and carry forward the mantle of his vision—a vision that saw the arts not just as a form of expression but as a beacon lighting the way to a future where creativity thrived, and communities flourished.

Farewell my friend. Hamba kahle Mngadi, Madlokovu, Ntusi yenkomo, Nene, Wena nasentendeni yesandla uyanela, Muji, S’thenjwa, Madlokov’ esengweni!