Mbongeni Ngema (b. 1955 - ) a South African writer, lyricist, composer and director was born in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal (near Durban). He started his career as a theatre backing guitarist. He is married to actress Leleti Khumalo. Leleti who received a 1988 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for Sarafina; as well as starring as the leading role in South Africa's first Oscar-nominated film/move, Yesterday. In some sectors of South African society