Whether you knew him for his work on Sarafina or his name in tabloids, Mbongeni Ngema's death has left fans and foes in shock.
According to his family, the celebrated showbiz figure died in a car crash on Wednesday.
While many might remember him for his work composing Sarafina, Ngema had many ups and downs that never hit the radar of some netizens. Here are seven things you may have missed in the headlines before his death.
WOZA NGEMA
Ngema's big break came in the early 1980s when he collaborated with fellow theatre stars Percy Mtwa and the late Barney Simon in Woza Albert.
The play was a take on the coming of Jesus during apartheid and put all eyes on Ngema.
A BLACK SWAN SONG
Ngema's most recent work is an autobiographical musical titled Black. In the play, the frustrations the writer has with the state of South Africa are displayed through mbaqanga and struggle songs, among other things.
Beloved classics such as Stimela SaseZola were also featured in the production with the promise of being “a feast of good music”.
MUSIC IN THE KITCHEN
While his bailiwick may be found on stage and screens, Ngema was an accomplished cook. He took to TikTok to share his skills which left fans and those who didn't know him in awe.
CLASH OF THE COMPOSERS
Ngema ruffled The Lion King maestro Lebo M when he went on King David Mashabela's podcast to share stories of his life, including claims that he helped open doors for Lebo M. A report on The South African claims this caused tension between the two.
A HISTORY OF ABUSE
From the domestic violence survived by his ex-wife Leleti Khumalo to the harsh environment actors had to endure in his productions, Ngema's career has been marred by violent transgressions.
In an interview with News24, Ngema said he was a “rehabilitated” man and took on the fight against gender-based violence as a reformed abuser.
SARAFINA THE SEQUEL
As Ngema's star continued to rise, so did the high profile opportunities that came with his acclaim. Covered extensively by theatre monthly The Playbill, and in Ferial Haffajee's book Days of Zondo, Ngema squandered millions while producing a sequel to Sarafina 2. The production, made in collaboration with the health department, was scrapped as an irregular contract that raised the ire of then-public protector Selby Baqwa in 1996.
LION OF THE WORST
One of Ngema's biggest squandered projects was Lion of the East, which the Mail and Guardian reported scored him R22m. Critics said the production was merely propaganda for the ANC, with claims that the governing party would “save the people from the white man’s rule”.
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