An Icon Who Learnt From The Best

Mbongeni Ngema continues to add a spice of excellence to his work

- Bonolo Sekudu

IN 1979, an unwavering spirit and an intense love for the arts led all-round master of arts, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, to Soweto because he wanted to learn from the late legendary Gibson Kente. That leap of faith took him to a destiny he knew in his heart was meant for him because it earned him international honour and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s South African Music Awards. Perhaps, that is why it is not possible to ignore him when he says that most of the people on TV aren’t trained to be actors. “They are models not actors,” the 62-year-old icon says.

STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM