Ndaba Walter Mhlongo (3 July 1933 – 29 October 1989) [1] was a South African actor and choreographer best known for his role of Mshefane in the 1977 production Inyakanyaka. Ndaba is widely regarded as one of South Africa's most prominent comedians. Joe Mafela, himself an established comedian, described Ndaba's comedy as effortless.

Ndaba Mhlongo
Born
Ndaba Walter Mhlongo

4 July 1933
DiedOctober 29, 1989(1989-10-29) (aged 56)
South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Occupations
  • actor
  • choreographer
  • comedian
  • assistant director
Years active1970s – 1989
Known forInyakanyaka • Ngaka
SpouseMary Twala (? - 1989) his death
Children2 (incl. Somizi)

Career

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Mhlongo is well known for the comedy Inyakanyaka (meaning trouble), and the dramatic film uDeliwe in which he acted with his wife and son. His other known works include Isivumelwano, Upondo no Nkinsela, Bad Company, Strike Force and Ngaka

Personal life

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Mhlongo was married to actress Mary Twala.[2] They had 2 children together; Archie and Somizi.[3]

Awards and nominations

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Mhlongo received a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography on Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina! in 1988.[4]

Filmography

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Year Film Role Notes
1977 Inyakanyaka Mshefane
1978 Isivumelwano
1980 Upondo no Nkinsela Mpondo
1985 Bad Company
1986 Strike Force

References

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  1. ^ "Somizi plays a careful tribute to his late mother Mary Twala at her funeral". newssa1.com. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  2. ^ "5 local celebs and their famous parents". Channel 24. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  3. ^ Temba Msiza. "Somizi On His Parents' Love". People Magazine.
  4. ^ "Ndaba Mhlongo - Incwajana". incwajana.com. 4 May 2020.
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