Mbongeni Ngema Releases New EP ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama’, A Cry From the African Race!

2023-06-20Last Updated: 2023-06-20

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Mbongeni Ngema released his new EP titled ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ on 16 June 2023 to coincide with Youth Day celebrations. The EP is produced by the maestro himself and he is featuring young upcoming artists.

The EP has four tracks and the first track titled ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ is a cry from the black people of this country, the African race. As a well-known voice of the voiceless Mbongeni Ngema is once again challenging the present government that they are not doing anything for the destitute masses of our country.

They only remember the poorest of the poor when it is time to campaign for elections by sending them food parcels. They live in horrible shacks with no electricity. They still use candles and paraffin stoves and the imikhukhu catch fire and burn in cold winters. The only time we see politicians visit such areas is during campaigning periods.

About The EP

‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ will set tongues wagging as it might ruffle some feathers amongst some political leaders in government. The song is sure to be a hit amongst the despondent and frustrated people of South Africa as it directly speaks to their frustrations about the government and other reprehensible things happening in the country at the moment.

‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ is a sing-along that is going to get South Africa dancing. The EP’s other three tracks are ‘Africa’, ‘Sekunzimanyana‘, and ‘God Bless the Music’. ‘Africa‘ is a song about our land that was stolen by the white settlers starting in 1652 whilst ‘Sekunzimanyana‘ is a song about lost love. ‘God bless the Music‘ is a celebration of the gift that God gave us in our music.

About Mbongeni & the ‘BLACK’ launch

Mbongeni Ngema needs no introduction to the music scene. He is Mzansi’s iconic theatre playwright, director, actor, music producer and singer. Who can ever forget his hits like ‘Stimela Sase Zola‘, ‘Woza My Fohloza‘, ‘Freedom is Coming Tomorrow‘ and many more?

Ngema became more popular for his Broadway hit musical, ‘Sarafina!‘ which was later adapted to a film featuring stars like Miriam Makeba, Whoopi Golberg, Dr John Kani and Leleti Khumalo.

“I was sitting with some of my friends from the hostel discussing what is happening in the country currently. Hearing those men’s frustrations about the leadership, loadshedding and other issues affecting the country, drove me to work on ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘.

At this day and age, I never thought I would still be writing songs about the struggles of the black people. South Africans are frustrated and feel betrayed by their own leaders.” says Mbongeni Ngema.

The EP coincidentally comes at a time when Sarafina! the movie has just screened at the Cannes Festival for the second time which was a first for a South African film.

The release of ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ on June 16 was no coincidence. In South Africa, June 16 and Sarafina! have become synonymous, it was therefore befitting to release ‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ on this historic day as it speaks to the struggles of South Africans just like Sarafina!

‘Thina Bant’ Abamnyama‘ will be officially launched at Mbongeni Ngema’s upcoming musical extravaganza, ‘BLACK‘ which will take place at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace on 14-17 September 2023.

The EP is now available on all streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube.