Mbongeni Ngema
Mbongeni Ngema is an actor, bookwriter, composer/lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include Sarafina! and Asinamali!.
Birth Place: Veulam, SOUTH AFRICA
Latest News on Mbongeni Ngema:
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
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Mbongeni Ngema
Connection
Awards and Nominations
Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production
Mbongeni Ngema, Sheila's Day
Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production
Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina!
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Music
Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Choreography
Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina!
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical
Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina!
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina!
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Direction of a Play
Mbongeni Ngema, Asinamali!
Olivier Awards - 1983 - Comedy of the Year
Mbongeni Ngema, Woza Albert!
News
Broadway Shows with Foreign Origins: A Deep Dive Into International Productions
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 13, 2026
Theatre has long history of cultural exchange between the cities of New York and London. Every season, new productions make it to Broadway and off-Broadway after starting in the West End and vice versa. But what of all of the Broadway shows that have originated in countries beyond England? Productions originating in other foreign countries happen far less frequently but have resulted in some fascinating moments of history on Broadway.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 13, 2026
Theatre has long history of cultural exchange between the cities of New York and London. Every season, new productions make it to Broadway and off-Broadway after starting in the West End and vice versa. But what of all of the Broadway shows that have originated in countries beyond England? Productions originating in other foreign countries happen far less frequently but have resulted in some fascinating moments of history on Broadway.
SARAFINA! Original Cast to Reunite for Market Theatre's 50th Birthday
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
Members of the original Sarafina! cast, including Baby Cele and Dumisani Dlamini, will reunite for a special 56-minute performance at the Market Theatre's 50th birthday celebration — their first time performing together since 1991.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2026
Members of the original Sarafina! cast, including Baby Cele and Dumisani Dlamini, will reunite for a special 56-minute performance at the Market Theatre's 50th birthday celebration — their first time performing together since 1991.
Tonya Pinkins to Star in TURNING 15 ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM at IBTF
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2024
Experience a powerful civil rights gospel musical with Tonya Pinkins and choirs from historically Black high schools at IBTF on 7/31. Enjoy a free performance and participate in an onsite voter drive.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2024
Experience a powerful civil rights gospel musical with Tonya Pinkins and choirs from historically Black high schools at IBTF on 7/31. Enjoy a free performance and participate in an onsite voter drive.
SARAFINA! Playwright Mbongeni Ngema Dies at 68
by Stephi Wild - Jan 3, 2024
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that playwright Mbongeni Ngema has died at age 68, following a car accident. Ngema was best known for writing the musical Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988, and was later adapted into a film starring Whoopi Goldberg in 1992.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 3, 2024
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that playwright Mbongeni Ngema has died at age 68, following a car accident. Ngema was best known for writing the musical Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988, and was later adapted into a film starring Whoopi Goldberg in 1992.
THE LION KING North American Tour to Welcome Back Mukelisiwe Goba as 'Rafiki'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2023
Get the latest news on Disney's The Lion King North American Tour as Mukelisiwe Goba makes a triumphant return as 'Rafiki'. Find out all the details and dates for this highly anticipated production.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2023
Get the latest news on Disney's The Lion King North American Tour as Mukelisiwe Goba makes a triumphant return as 'Rafiki'. Find out all the details and dates for this highly anticipated production.
The Apollo Season Features Jazz Commission And Hip-Hop Concerts, AFRICA NOW! Festival, And More
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 10, 2023
As The Apollo gears up for a historic 2023 with the opening of The Apollo's Victoria Theater and the renovation of the Historic Theater, the iconic Harlem nonprofit announced additional upcoming concerts, comedy shows, and educational programs for the winter and spring of 2023.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 10, 2023
As The Apollo gears up for a historic 2023 with the opening of The Apollo's Victoria Theater and the renovation of the Historic Theater, the iconic Harlem nonprofit announced additional upcoming concerts, comedy shows, and educational programs for the winter and spring of 2023.
TCG Books Presents to Host Conversation with Authors of Classic Russian Drama Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2022
Theatre Communications Group has announced the eighth iteration of TCG Books Presents, featuring Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky in conversation with Gregory Mosher on YouTube Live, Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00pm ET.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2022
Theatre Communications Group has announced the eighth iteration of TCG Books Presents, featuring Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky in conversation with Gregory Mosher on YouTube Live, Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00pm ET.
BWW Interview: Artistic Director Ricardo Khan and CROSSROADS THEATRE COMPANY
by Marina Kennedy - Oct 27, 2021
Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Crossroads Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Ricardo Khan about his career and the season ahead.
by Marina Kennedy - Oct 27, 2021
Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Crossroads Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Ricardo Khan about his career and the season ahead.
Bheki Mkhwane Departs BOPHA! Season at South African State Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 24, 2021
The South African State Theatre has announced that veteran performer Bheki Mkhwane will no longer be part of Bopha's season -starting from 25 May to 13 June 2021- after being booked off sick for four weeks.
by Stephi Wild - May 24, 2021
The South African State Theatre has announced that veteran performer Bheki Mkhwane will no longer be part of Bopha's season -starting from 25 May to 13 June 2021- after being booked off sick for four weeks.
Ricardo Khan and the Performing Arts Alliance to be Honored at Theatre Communications Group 2021 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2021
Theatre Communications Group has announced the 2021 TCG 60th Anniversary Gala: Our Stories will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7:30pm ET with an afterparty to follow. The Gala will honor Ricardo Khan and the Performing Arts Alliance, and both the Gala and virtual live afterparty will be hosted by drag superstar Shequida.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2021
Theatre Communications Group has announced the 2021 TCG 60th Anniversary Gala: Our Stories will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7:30pm ET with an afterparty to follow. The Gala will honor Ricardo Khan and the Performing Arts Alliance, and both the Gala and virtual live afterparty will be hosted by drag superstar Shequida.
Crossroads Theatre Company Looks Back on SHEILA'S DAY to Celebrate Women's History Month
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 1, 2021
A presentation of excerpts of the musical drama Sheila's Day is being streamed as part of Crossroads Theatre Company's commemorative programming celebrating Women's History Month. It will stream March 2 through March 23 on the Crossroads website.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 1, 2021
A presentation of excerpts of the musical drama Sheila's Day is being streamed as part of Crossroads Theatre Company's commemorative programming celebrating Women's History Month. It will stream March 2 through March 23 on the Crossroads website.
New Federal Theatre Announces Virtual Reading of WINDOWS by Mfundi Vundla
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 22, 2021
As part of 'New Federal Theatre Celebrates Black History Month,' Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre is offering a live streaming virtual reading of 'Widows' by Mfundi Vundla on February 27 at 7:00 PM. The reading will be available on-demand through March 1.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 22, 2021
As part of 'New Federal Theatre Celebrates Black History Month,' Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre is offering a live streaming virtual reading of 'Widows' by Mfundi Vundla on February 27 at 7:00 PM. The reading will be available on-demand through March 1.
BWW Interview: Greg Homann Joins HOW NOW BROWN COW's Promising Playwrighting Initiative
by Lindsay Kruger - Feb 4, 2021
Founded at the end of last year, local production company HOW NOW BROWN COW has launched a new and exciting writing programme. As one of the participants of its first instalment — director, playwright and academic Greg Homann chats to BroadwayWorld about his writing and his involvement with THE WRITERS' COLLECTIVE.
by Lindsay Kruger - Feb 4, 2021
Founded at the end of last year, local production company HOW NOW BROWN COW has launched a new and exciting writing programme. As one of the participants of its first instalment — director, playwright and academic Greg Homann chats to BroadwayWorld about his writing and his involvement with THE WRITERS' COLLECTIVE.
Meet The Current Cast of Creatures In THE LION KING On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 4, 2019
Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap - the entire Serengeti comes to life on stage each night in The Lion King. The Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Disney's much-loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world of glorious colors, stunning effects and enchanting music to tell the story of Simba and his epic journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 4, 2019
Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap - the entire Serengeti comes to life on stage each night in The Lion King. The Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Disney's much-loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world of glorious colors, stunning effects and enchanting music to tell the story of Simba and his epic journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa Reprise Roles in WOZA ALBERT! at the Baxter Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 18, 2019
Acclaimed South African theatre luminaries, Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa, reprise their original roles - created some 40 years ago - in one of this country's most brilliant and popular classics, Woza Albert!, at the Baxter Flipside from 5 February to 2 March 2019 at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 18, 2019
Acclaimed South African theatre luminaries, Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa, reprise their original roles - created some 40 years ago - in one of this country's most brilliant and popular classics, Woza Albert!, at the Baxter Flipside from 5 February to 2 March 2019 at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm.
Jam-packed Eighth Annual Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Now On Stage
by David Fick - Mar 11, 2018
The eighth annual 2018 Zabalaza Theatre Festival to showcase some 40 productions by dynamic young theatre-makers from all over the Western Cape.
by David Fick - Mar 11, 2018
The eighth annual 2018 Zabalaza Theatre Festival to showcase some 40 productions by dynamic young theatre-makers from all over the Western Cape.
UK Premiere of THE SUITCASE to Open at Hull Truck Theatre Before Touring the North of England
by BWW News Desk - Jun 15, 2017
The Suitcase brings together a unique partnership of venues in the North of England and the Market Theatre Johannesburg, marking the internationally renowned theatre company's return to the UK after a five year absence.
by BWW News Desk - Jun 15, 2017
The Suitcase brings together a unique partnership of venues in the North of England and the Market Theatre Johannesburg, marking the internationally renowned theatre company's return to the UK after a five year absence.
Did You Know... Our Favorite Fun Facts About the 2017 Tony Nominees!
by Matt Tamanini - May 2, 2017
The 2017 Tony nominations were announced this morning. If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?! CLICK HERE to check out a full list of this year's nominees, and HERE for reactions from the lucky few!
by Matt Tamanini - May 2, 2017
The 2017 Tony nominations were announced this morning. If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?! CLICK HERE to check out a full list of this year's nominees, and HERE for reactions from the lucky few!
BWW Awards Special: South African Theatre Winners Celebrate the 2016 Regional BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards
by David Fick - Jan 18, 2017
It was no unlucky Friday the 13th for South Africa's theatre community when BroadwayWorld's Regional Managing Editor Christina Mancuso released the names of the of the winners of the 2016 BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards.
by David Fick - Jan 18, 2017
It was no unlucky Friday the 13th for South Africa's theatre community when BroadwayWorld's Regional Managing Editor Christina Mancuso released the names of the of the winners of the 2016 BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards.
BWW Review: Will the Real WOZA ALBERT! Please Stand Up?
by David Fick - Oct 7, 2016
WOZA ALBERT! remains an incredibly powerful play. That it can withstand mediocre productions and still, more or less, manage to resonate with an audience is a testament to what Ngema, Mtwa and Simon achieved 35 years ago. When the real WOZA ALBERT! stands up, it takes no prisoners. It is a play that reminds us of the journey we have travelled, and the long way we still have to go.
by David Fick - Oct 7, 2016
WOZA ALBERT! remains an incredibly powerful play. That it can withstand mediocre productions and still, more or less, manage to resonate with an audience is a testament to what Ngema, Mtwa and Simon achieved 35 years ago. When the real WOZA ALBERT! stands up, it takes no prisoners. It is a play that reminds us of the journey we have travelled, and the long way we still have to go.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Mbongeni Ngema written?
Mbongeni Ngema has written 2 shows including Asinamali! (Playwright), Sarafina! (Composer/Lyricist).
What awards has Mbongeni Ngema been nominated for?
Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sheila's Day, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sarafina! , Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Sarafina, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Sarafina!, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sarafina!, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Sarafina!, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Asinamali! and Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Woza Albert!.
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