Andy Chabeli is a well-known South African artist. He performed with a group called the Coronets for many years and won 1st prize in the 1972 Umglaba Festival before joining the Ipi Ntombi company in 1973. Apart from taking the lead in the show, he assisted with vocal arrangements and certain aspects of the choreography. In 1984, he joined Pact’s production of Showboat and later assisted schools and colleges in producing stage performances.
By Bertha Egnos & Gail Lakier.
Additional book by Lucille Lakier
Additional book by Lucille Lakier
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A 50 YEAR TRIBUTE TO A GLOBAL MUSICAL SENSATION
THE CAST THAT BROUGHT IPI NTOMBI TO LIFE
IPI NTOMBI CAST 1
IPI NTOMBI CAST 2
Ken Gampu
Ken Gampu started acting in 1958 in Athol Fugard’s “No Good Friday.” In 1961, he played the lead role in the stage production of Dingaka (music by Bertha Egnos and Eddie Domingo); he was subsequently cast as the lead in 1965 in Jamie Uys’s film production of Dingaka. The same year, he played a significant role in Cornel Wilde’s African adventure film, The Naked Prey. In 1973, he was cast as the lead in the action film, Joe Bullet – the character was described as something between Shaft and James Bond. Unfortunately, the movie was banned in South Africa. From the 1980s – 2000s, Ken performed in approximately 52 movies.
In the 1997 Ipi Ntombi revival, he played the Tribal Chief and acted as Company Director. Ken and Betha remained firm friends from 1961 until her death in July 2003; Ken died four months later.
Todd Twala
Is an award-winning dancer, singer, actress, and choreographer.
She was in both productions of Ipi Ntombi and was the lead choreographer for the female traditional dancing.
This accomplished lady of the stage has performed in “Meropa,” “Lulu Wena,” “Sokunyalo,”and “Sikulu” and shared the stage with Sipho Hotstix Mabuso and many more artists worldwide.
Todd was one of the creators and choreographers of the South African musical” Umoja,” which opened in Johannesburg in the early 2000s.
Sophie Mgcina-Davids
A multi-talented performer, composer and actress who performed in a multitude of shows locally and abroad. Sophie made an enormous impact on the South African cultural landscape with performances in King Kong, Dingaka and her crowning achievement in The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena. She performed together with Hugh Masekela in the video “Amandla.” Sophie was one of the 3 female lead vocalists in Ipi Ntombi.
Jones Hlophe
He was introduced to the world of theatre when he starred in the global musical “Sarafina,” written and directed by the late Mbongeni Ngema. In 1997 he became the male lead in the second Ipi Ntombi cast.
Jones is a seasoned actor, singer, dancer, writer, and director with many stage and television productions to his name.
Valephi Mnisi
Valephi, one of the lead vocalists in Ipi Ntombi, also played the female lead in the renowned stage show “Sarafina.” She has performed in theatre productions in Germany, Spain, Japan and Italy. Valephi has had an extremely impressive television career, taking part in “Muvhango,” “Gomora,” and, more recently, “The Black Door.”
Ken Gampu
Ken Gampu started acting in 1958 in Athol Fugard’s “No Good Friday.” In 1961, he played the lead role in the stage production of Dingaka (music by Bertha Egnos and Eddie Domingo); he was subsequently cast as the lead in 1965 in Jamie Uys’s film production of Dingaka. The same year, he played a significant role in Cornel Wilde’s African adventure film, The Naked Prey. In 1973, he was cast as the lead in the action film, Joe Bullet – the character was described as something between Shaft and James Bond. Unfortunately, the movie was banned in South Africa. From the 1980s – 2000s, Ken performed in approximately 52 movies.
In the 1997 Ipi Ntombi revival, he played the Tribal Chief and acted as Company Director. Ken and Betha remained firm friends from 1961 until her death in July 2003; Ken died four months later.
Todd Twala
Is an award-winning dancer, singer, actress, and choreographer.
She was in both productions of Ipi Ntombi and was the lead choreographer for the female traditional dancing.
This accomplished lady of the stage has performed in “Meropa,” “Lulu Wena,” “Sokunyalo,”and “Sikulu” and shared the stage with Sipho Hotstix Mabuso and many more artists worldwide.
Todd was one of the creators and choreographers of the South African musical” Umoja,” which opened in Johannesburg in the early 2000s.
Sophie Mgcina-Davids
A multi-talented performer, composer and actress who performed in a multitude of shows locally and abroad. Sophie made an enormous impact on the South African cultural landscape with performances in King Kong, Dingaka and her crowning achievement in The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena. She performed together with Hugh Masekela in the video “Amandla.” Sophie was one of the 3 female lead vocalists in Ipi Ntombi.
Jones Hlophe
He was introduced to the world of theatre when he starred in the global musical “Sarafina,” written and directed by the late Mbongeni Ngema. In 1997 he became the male lead in the second Ipi Ntombi cast.
Jones is a seasoned actor, singer, dancer, writer, and director with many stage and television productions to his name.
Valephi Mnisi
Valephi, one of the lead vocalists in Ipi Ntombi, also played the female lead in the renowned stage show “Sarafina.” She has performed in theatre productions in Germany, Spain, Japan and Italy. Valephi has had an extremely impressive television career, taking part in “Muvhango,” “Gomora,” and, more recently, “The Black Door.”
Stella Magaba
A larger-than-life personality, Stella was one of the lead vocalists in the second Ipi Ntombi in 1997. She also became one of the leads in “3 Tons of Fun” and starred in “Hair—The Musical,” and “Showboat.” Her career extended to television, where she played the part of Xoli in “Fishy Fêshuns” and took part in the much-loved “Madam & Eve.” A star who was taken from us too soon, Stella passed away at age 49.
Linda Sebezo
Linda was the female lead in the 1997 Ipi Ntombi. She has had a successful career as an actor, singer, dancer, and director on Television and stage. She started her acting journey in 1980 with Gibson Kente
Productions. Since then, Linda has toured nationally and internationally and has been in shows such as Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Greed and Desire, Generations, Isidingo, Backstage, Rhythm City, Stokvel, and many more.
Thapelo Jo Mofokeng
Affectionately known as Tubs, he played the part of Duba Duba, the priest, in Ipi Ntombi.
His passion for music saw him perform on stages across the globe. He contributed immensely to the arts and was a member of the Meropa Cultural group, which travelled to Japan and many other countries.
Tubs appeared in multiple movies and did the voice-over for The Lion King.
Thembi Mtshali-Jones
A highly acclaimed actress and singer, she started her career in theatre at a young age, touring abroad with Welcome Msomi’s “uMabatha.” She went on to scoop one of the lead roles in the original cast of Ipi Ntombi.
Thembi has toured with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. She has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Natal and continues to delight audiences worldwide with her incredible talent.
S'bu Ngema
A talented performer, choreographer, and lead male dancer in the second Ipi Ntombi production, S’bu, went on to have a successful stage career, appearing in The Lion King on Broadway, amongst many other productions.
His most well-known song is the Broadway version of “Circle of Life.”
Stella Magaba
A larger-than-life personality, Stella was one of the lead vocalists in the second Ipi Ntombi in 1997. She also became one of the leads in “3 Tons of Fun” and starred in “Hair—The Musical,” and “Showboat.” Her career extended to television, where she played the part of Xoli in “Fishy Fêshuns” and took part in the much-loved “Madam & Eve.” A star who was taken from us too soon, Stella passed away at age 49.
Linda Sebezo
Linda was the female lead in the 1997 Ipi Ntombi. She has had a successful career as an actor, singer, dancer, and director on Television and stage. She started her acting journey in 1980 with Gibson Kente
Productions. Since then, Linda has toured nationally and internationally and has been in shows such as Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Greed and Desire, Generations, Isidingo, Backstage, Rhythm City, Stokvel, and many more.
Thapelo Jo Mofokeng
Affectionately known as Tubs, he played the part of Duba Duba, the priest, in Ipi Ntombi.
His passion for music saw him perform on stages across the globe. He contributed immensely to the arts and was a member of the Meropa Cultural group, which travelled to Japan and many other countries.
Tubs appeared in multiple movies and did the voice-over for The Lion King.
Thembi Mtshali-Jones
A highly acclaimed actress and singer, she started her career in theatre at a young age, touring abroad with Welcome Msomi’s “uMabatha.” She went on to scoop one of the lead roles in the original cast of Ipi Ntombi.
Thembi has toured with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. She has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Natal and continues to delight audiences worldwide with her incredible talent.
S'bu Ngema
A talented performer, choreographer, and lead male dancer in the second Ipi Ntombi production, S’bu, went on to have a successful stage career, appearing in The Lion King on Broadway, amongst many other productions.
His most well-known song is the Broadway version of “Circle of Life.”
Joel Mthethwa
A talented dancer who was part of the second Ipi Ntombi cast. Joel has had a wonderful career in dance and choreography. He toured the USA for two years with the show “Amabutho Warriors” and has been involved in choreography for Leon Schuster’s “UNTAG – Kwagga Strikes Back,” “U-Carmen e-Khayelitsha” and more. Joel continues to contribute his talent and time to our arts and theatre.
Thabo Joseph Motsamai
Started singing with the Day Dawn Male Voice in 1965. He appeared in UDeliwe, Joe Bullet, The Cross, Fade of the Famous and many other films. Thabo was part of the second Ipi Ntombi cast.
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“The trademarks “Ipi Tombi”, “Ipi Ntombi” and all associated trade names, service marks and logos relating to entertainment, music, sound, video recordings and promotional clothing, are owned by Songe Music Promotions (Pty) Ltd. The “Ipi Tombi” trademarks may only be used with the express prior written consent of Songe Music Promotions (Pty) Ltd.”