By Zee:
Ma’am, if you weren’t at Joburg Theatre this past Sunday, just log off because everything happened – from music royalty sightings to awkward reunions and gowns that deserved their own standing ovation. And yes, I, Zee, was right there in the middle of it all. Front row? No. Every row was mine.
The occasion? The iconic return of Sarafina! and the grand unveiling of the late Mbongeni Ngema’s place on the Joburg Theatre Wall of Fame. Drama. Nostalgia. Vibes. All on the same plate – and yes, the wine was flowing.
Let’s get into it:
The moment I arrived, boom, I bumped into none other than Ihhashi Elimhlophe and his wife, glowing, regal, and walking like they owned the theatre. Honestly? Royalty. They don’t age. They marinate.
The memo said “uniforms or graduation gowns” – honestly, why? It felt like The Bold and the Matriculants. I thought I walked into a class of 2024 valedictorian. And then I spotted Aldrin Sampier, controversial news anchor, in a dramatic black gown. He looked like he had come straight from a courtroom and a red carpet. Love the confusion.
The unveiling:
Outside the theatre, speeches started. And never ended. Someone please send a WhatsApp to the MMC of Community Development – we were not in a political rally. The energy? 1976 Soweto Uprising cosplay. I was asleep halfway through – not ashamed. Until the Sarafina! Cast belted out a number that resurrected me. Resuscitation by musical theatre? Only in Mzansi.
Then stepped up Nompumelelo Ngema, Mbongeni’s widow. Sweet, poised, and giving head choreographer has energy.
“I am honoured to choreograph this show,” she said, voice soft but firm.
She went on about joining the cast in 2010 and meeting Mbongeni – meanwhile, backstage, I’m sure there were eyes darting across the room. Because guess who’s the CEO of Joburg Theatre? Xoliswa Ngema, Mbongeni’s ex-wife. Ma’am, the legacy has layers.
Tea? No Leleti Khumalo in sight.
Maybe she’s still in Muvhango recovery mode. We missed her energy, but the gossipers? They noticed.
Then, boom – a Maskandi legend moment! Mkanyiseni, who worked closely with Ngema, delivered a stellar solo. Goosebumps. Give that man his flowers and a full tour.
Now let’s talk about the show, Ma’am.
High speed. High heels. High notes.
The energy was too much = I mean that in a “my lace is lifting” kind of way. Fast-paced like they were racing TikTok trends. Sarafina, played by the oh-so-talented Noxolo Dlamini, gave it her all, but I was worried they might need an IV drip by week two. It’s giving ma-2k, it’s giving gym class.
Oh! And then Umkhokha’s Kululekani appeared – babes, he stepped on stage as an apartheid soldier and shook the crowd. Like actual goosebumps. I saw people crying. Acting like that? This man needs an award and a Netflix deal.
Props? Zero. We had to imagine desks, chairs, chalkboards = all of it. Theatre of the mind, honey. Shout-out to the band, though – especially “bro Eddie” from the original cast. That Madala still knows how to spot talent. The music carried the whole production.
And the characters backstage? Whew. A woman named Siziwe Ngema (yes, another Ngema – it’s giving legacy or dynasty?) claimed to be an OG backup singer. Sis looked like a Mahotella Queen in the VIP lounge. The lashes? The smile? Drama!
And not Mbali Ngiba from Umkhokha randomly resurfacing from the audience side like a theatre ninja. She looked good. Too good. Suspiciously good.
By the end, the food flew in. Like literal rockets. The wine? Limitless. I don’t even remember dessert – just joy, vocals, and gossip.
Final word?
The legacy of Mbongeni Ngema is alive, dramatic, and dancing its heart out on stage. Joburg Theatre? You did that. The show runs until mid-June – and if you miss it? We can’t be friends.– @NewsSA_Online
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