Ngema's passing leaves rich legacy that will endure for posterity - Singh

The Sarafina creator died on Wednesday evening at the age of 68.

The Verulam-born legendary playwright and musician died in a head-on collision while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

The Ngema family confirmed the passing in a short statement on Wednesday night.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema. The Ngema family, colleagues, and friends are deeply devastated about Ngema’s passing," the statement read.

Ngema was a renowned playwright, actor, choreographer, composer, and singer.

Friends described Ngema as a trailblazing creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of South Africa under apartheid to a global audience using the theatre as a platform.

"Mbongeni was one of South Africa’s finest multi-talented creatives – a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer, and theatre producer.  He has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and the creative industries as a whole," said Singh.  

"This is clearly demonstrated by the timelessness of SARAFINA!,  which is as relevant today as it was when the film was first released, and it holds the distinction of being invited twice by the Cannes Film  Festival to screen in its Official Selection – first in 1992 and then in May this year in the Cannes Classics section.

"Mbongeni was an inspiration and mentored many young artists who are now household names".

Social media users took to social media platform X to share some memories they have of Ngema.