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Mbongeni Ngema, creator of Whoopi Goldberg film Sarafina!, has died in a car accident in South Africa. He was aged 68.
Ngema’s family announced his death in a statement, revealing that he was killed in a head-on collision while returning from a funeral he had attended in Lusikisiki. He was a passenger in the vehicle.
Ngema is best known for creating the musical Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988 and was later adapted into a vehicle for Goldberg in 1992.
It told the story of a young student’s fight against racial segregation in apartheid South Africa after her teacher was jailed.
Ngema was a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer, and theatre producer. His other major credits include vocal arranging on The Lion King.
In a statement, Sarafina! producer Anant Singh said: “We have lost a trailblazing creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of South Africa under apartheid to a global audience using the theatre as a platform.
“He has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and the creative industries as a whole. This is clearly demonstrated by the timelessness of Sarafina! the film
“Mbongeni was an inspiration and mentored many young artists who are now household names. His passing leaves a deep void but he leaves a rich legacy that will endure for posterity.”
Sarafina! premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and returned this year as part of the event’s Cannes Classics strand.
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