SHARPEVILLE. – Ngali, who is a long-time survivor of prostate cancer, passed away recently after a long battle against the illness.
His wife, Magdalene Ngali, described him as someone who lived his life dedicated to music. “His musical journey began at the very early stages of his life. At one point he would skip school and hide behind the shops, playing the day away with his penny whistle.
“He loved playing musical instruments and together with the members of the Sharptown Swingsters band, travelled and became a very prominent musical group of their time.”
Magdalene explains that Tswakae was still involved in Sharptown Swingsters, which has now been joined by a new generation of musicians. Regarding her husband’s battle with prostate cancer, Magdalene says she wishes more men realized it is nothing to be ashamed of and that it can be fought.
“He spoke openly about it and was committed to getting treatment. This is why he survived for so long. “He will be remembered through his music,” Magdalene said.
Boykie Jamile (72) said Ngali was someone he admired as a child. “I grew up looking up to him and I also got into music through the MacJays Jazz Band. Lately we have been very close as we have always played together at various events in the community.”
Jamile said that Ngali was a musical icon and would be remembered for his contribution to music especially in Sharpeville
