South African Musician Mbongeni Ngema Dead at 68 Following a Tragic Accident

South African musician and famed "Sarafina!" creator Mbongeni Ngema has died in a tragic accident at the age of 68, his family confirmed.

Ngema's bereaved loved ones issued a statement to the Associated Press confirming the musician's death on Wednesday, December 27, following a fatal car crash. He was reportedly traveling after attending a funeral in Eastern Cape province when the head-on accident involving the vehicle he was in occurred.

He was reportedly a passenger of the unidentified automobile at the time of his death.

Mbongeni Ngema Dead at 68

The family did not disclose the details of the memorial and funeral for Ngema, but multiple media outlets received messages from different people who paid tribute to the late musician. Fans also took to X to express their heartbreak following the sudden loss.

South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa shared with Variety the contributions Ngema made to the music industry, applauding his productions that raised South Africa's flag to the world.

"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," Anant Singh, "Sarafina!" producer, said. "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."

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Social Development Department confirmed on Thursday, December 28, that it had posthumously given Ngema the 365 Men's Award for being the best example to the world while working on himself to become a women's rights activist.

The organization continued, "Seeking to use their story and lessons to teach others not to commit the same ills they did. Ensuring that we promote positive masculinity."

The Economic Freedom Fighters party issued a separate tribute message in which it called Ngema a "beacon of hope during some of our darkest times."

Mbongeni Ngema's Works Explored

Ngema started his career as a theatre backing guitarist before embracing more works, including a screenwriter and librettist.

For decades, he created musical productions that touched on the most sensitive topics in the community, including "Sarafina II" which addressed the AIDS epidemic in South Africa in 1996.

His other works included "Magic at 4AM," "Mama," "The House of Shaka" and "The Zulu."