Sarafina cast then and now: Where are they today?
Sarafina! Many recall the musical, which was adopted from the veteran theatre producer Mbongeni Ngema. The title’s reminiscent of one of the most phenomenal and emotional movies of the 20th century. The cast gave fans a great show, many playing the film on repeat. After all, what better was there to watch in the 90s when you have an astounding African movie? The film correctly depicts the events of a student uprising, borrowing from the June Soweto uprising in 1976. It is now more than twenty years after it was released, but it is still a great hit among those who relate to the apartheid era. Where is Sarafina cast today?
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When the film debuted, fans were dazzled by Whoopi Goldberg’s presence. She is an award-winning actress who has been part of numerous films and series. She had a significant role, which she played very well. Whoopi’s career path is easily traceable, but what about the other cast? Who is Sarafina in real life?
Where is the Sarafina cast now?
It is hard not to recall the Sarafina actors. They were part of a fantastic movie with significant political and historical significance. That is why, at every celebration of the Soweto uprising, many recall the movie. Are there some of Sarafina original cast still making waves in the film industry?
Leleti Khumalo - Sarafina
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Do you remember the sweet, yet fierce pretty girl playing the lead role in Sarafina? Leleti Khumalo acted as young Sarafina in the musical. Since this role was one of her biggest in her career, the name Sarafina stuck.
Sarafina introduced her to the masses, and it will always be a part of her. She was only 16 years old while she was acting as Sarafina in 1992. Now, the Sarafina actress is 46 and states that she had the time of her life when she played the role.
Today, Leleti is part of the set of SABC1 telenovela Uzalo where she plays a matriarch. This was her big comeback after she took some time off for two and a half years to raise her twins in 2013. Leleti has also landed another role in one of Mzansi’s popular telenovelas Imbewu where she plays as Mazulu.
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Whoopi Goldberg - Mary Masembuko
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Whoopi was probably the highest-rated actor to act in Sarafina. She had already won a Grammy Award in 1985 for the Best Comedy Recording and her career was growing immensely.
In Sarafina, she acted as Masembuko, a high school teacher in the blacks-only-township of Soweto, South Africa. She teaches history but ordinarily interjects with the real truth about current ongoings in the society.
Today, Whoopi Goldberg is a celebrated actor, award-winning comedian, and a human rights advocate. She has also directed and authored other shows. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of her life today is her medical marijuana business that started in 2008.
Miriam Makeba - Angelina
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Miriam Makeba played the role of Sarafina's mother, Angelina. She was a household servant in a white household in apartheid South Africa. Angelina's acceptance of this role had a massive impact on Sarafina's inspiration to rise up in protest.
Even though Miriam Makeba died on November 10, 2008, many remember her as the most prominent African singers in the 20th century. Her amazing talent earned her the name "Mama Afrika."
Somizi Mhlongo - Fire
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How many people do you know that were popular more than thirty years ago and are still relevant? Somizi, aka Somgaga, is a darling of the masses and certainly has the star power. In the Sarafina musical, he played a student leader that was pivotal in the student uprising. Many remember the name "Fire," which was Somizi’s character’s name in the movie.
The Somizi in Sarafina was on fire (pun intended), and it was no surprise that he became a very successful entertainer in South Africa. Almost three decades after the movie, Simizi is 46 years old and still sways the crowd wherever he goes. He has created an enormous brand that's making significant headway in the entertainment industry.
Mhlongo has a best-selling book, Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit, is a renowned reality TV star, judge for Idols South Africa, media personality, choreographer, and a popular MC.
Also, Somizi is a very active supporter of LGBTQ rights in South Africa and is quite open about his intolerance of discrimination towards LGBTQs. The best thing about Mhlongo, which is what has probably managed to keep him afloat all these years is his originality.
What you see is what you get, and he has never mimicked an accent or changed any aspect of his personality. Many love his realness that has been a great pillar for this reputation.
John Kani - School principal
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Who could ever forget the school principal! He was quite the character. John Kani is an internationally acclaimed playwright, director, and actor. He comfortably qualifies as the de facto standard for South African theatre.
This Sarafina actor's affinity to acting started when he was in high school, and he moved very fast to become one of the most celebrated entertainers in South Africa and all over the world. It was hard him missing in Sarafina, a great film at that time that was globally recognized.
Kani has been very active in the entertainment industry, with numerous movies under his name. He has even been bestowed the merit award from the Southern Chamber of Commerce in 1987, five years before taking the role of a principal in Sarafina.
Today, John Kani is the executive trustee of the John Kani Theatre Foundation, founder and director of John Kani Theatre Laboratory and the chairman of the National Arts Council of South Africa. Of course, he is expected to pioneer many great achievements.
Khanyo Maphumulo - Dancer
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Who was the lead singer in Sarafina? The songs were melodious and well-choreographed, and to think this was a creation that is more than twenty years old is impressive. Remember the much-loved Lord’s Prayer, led by a beautiful songstress hitting the highest notes.
Khanyo played the role of a young school girl that led the crowd and perfectly depicted excellent synchronization. Many recall the choreography that ensued once the songstress started the Lord's Prayer on a high note.
Where is she today? She is a recording artist with numerous works. Khanyo even featured on the soundtracks for The Lion King. Her sound depicted the Sarafina movie theme quite well. Listening to her voice, as she sings her heart out in Sarafina would probably evoke some fond memories.
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Dumisani Dlamini - Crocodile
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You might know him as “Crocodile” in Sarafina, a character he played quite well. Today, Dumisani is 56 years old and has seven children and three grandchildren. After his role in Sarafina in 1992, Dlamini proceeded to become a phenomenal entertainer in South Africa.
Numerous fans now associate him with the character Chester that he has played on Yizo Yizo or Mbodla on Isibaya. He has also had a starring role in SABC1 drama series Stick and Stones, in 2014. Dumisani is a predominant actor, composer, and film producer, areas where he is amazingly talented.
Sipho Kunene - Guitar
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Sarafina had many characters, young and old, and it ushered a new era in the South African film industry. Sipho Kunene acted as Guitar, which probably inspired his career course in the future.
Even though he was born in Cape Town, South Africa, he now calls New York City home. Sipho, for most of his life, has lent his services as a drummer. He is the pulse behind artists like Abdullah Ibrahim, Jenifer Holiday, Harlem Gospel Choir, among many others. Today, Sipho extensively tours, leads workshops and teaches others privately.
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Mbongeni Ngema - Choreographer, music arranger
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Of course, this famous personality was not in your mind when posing the question “Where is the Sarafina cast now?” Mbongeni has made a name for himself and is celebrated in the entertainment industry. He is famed for perfectly bringing out the Sarafina movie theme.
Ngema wrote the score with Hugh Masekela, which is a fusion of traditional South African music with modern American gospel, jazz, and rock. Today, he is a writer, lyricist, composer, film director and theatre producer with a high profile.
Sarafina is 28 years old this year, and it is still a great hit. The ingeniously directed and acted film touches on a sensitive topic, one of apartheid that will remain in many people’s memory for a long time. The Sarafina cast is now old, some are hardly remembered, but others have managed to maintain their reputation.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
