Prepare to have your mind blown and your emotions stirred as the legendary Mbongeni Ngema gears up to release his highly anticipated EP, “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama,” on June 16, 2023. Coinciding with the country’s Youth Day celebrations, Ngema’s EP is poised to make waves and set tongues wagging with its powerful messages and captivating sounds.
This musical masterpiece, produced by the maestro himself, is more than just a collection of tracks. It is a battle cry from the depths of the African soul, representing the struggles faced by the Black people of South Africa. Ngema, renowned for giving voice to the voiceless, fearlessly challenges the present government, highlighting their inaction in addressing the plight of the destitute masses. He sheds light on their plight, emphasizing that they are only remembered during election campaigns when politicians distribute food parcels. Meanwhile, these impoverished communities endure harsh living conditions, surviving in dilapidated shacks without electricity, relying on candles and paraffin stoves that often lead to tragic fires during the bitter winter months. Ngema calls out the selective attention of politicians, who only visit such areas for photo ops during campaign periods.
“Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” is guaranteed to stir controversy among certain political leaders, making it a hot topic of discussion. The song resonates deeply with the despondent and frustrated citizens of South Africa, directly addressing their grievances with the government and condemning the reprehensible state of affairs in the country. With its powerful lyrics and infectious beats, “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” is poised to become a nationwide anthem, inspiring a collective spirit of resilience and sparking a dance revolution across the nation.
However, Ngema’s EP doesn’t stop at addressing societal issues. It caters to diverse musical tastes, offering something for everyone. The remaining tracks, “Africa,” “Sekunzimanyana,” and “God Bless the Music,” traverse different themes, such as reclaiming stolen land, lost love, and celebrating the gift of music. Ngema’s versatility as a songwriter and his ability to captivate audiences have earned him a revered place in the South African music scene.
With an illustrious career spanning decades, Ngema’s name has become synonymous with artistic excellence. Who could forget the timeless hits like “Stimela SaseZola,” “Woza My Fohloza,” and “Freedom is Coming Tomorrow”? Ngema has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his Broadway hit musical, “Sarafina!,” further cemented his status. The iconic production was later adapted into a film featuring luminaries such as Miriam Makeba, Whoopi Goldberg, Dr. John Kani, and Leleti Khumalo.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama,” Ngema shared, “I was sitting with some friends, discussing the current state of our country. Hearing their frustrations about leadership, load shedding, and other issues, I felt compelled to create this song. It’s disheartening to realize that, even in this day and age, I’m still writing about the struggles faced by Black people. South Africans are frustrated and feel betrayed by their own leaders.”
Coincidentally, “Thina Bant’Abamnyama” coincides with the recent screening of “Sarafina!” at the Cannes Festival, marking a historic moment for South African cinema. June 16, the release date of Ngema’s EP, holds immense significance as it is intertwined with the legacy of “Sarafina!” and commemorates the struggles of the nation. The parallels between the film and the EP are impossible to ignore, underscoring the continued relevance of Ngema’s powerful storytelling.
To celebrate this monumental release, Mbongeni Ngema will unveil “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” during his upcoming musical extravaganza, “BLACK,” at the prestigious Theatre of Marcellus in Emperors Palace from September 14 to 17, 2023. The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and more, starting from the release day, June 16, 2023.
Get ready to be moved, inspired, and ignited by the genius of Mbongeni Ngema as he takes South Africa on an unforgettable musical journey through “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama.” Brace yourself for an EP that will leave an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape, uniting voices and beckoning the world to dance to the rhythm of change.