One of the brightest and most talented young actresses on the Durban scene passed away this morning as a result of heart complications. She had also been suffering respiratory problems for some months.
Cindi Ngidi, who comes from a talented musical family – her father is flautist/guitarist Elias Ngidi and her brother is double bass player Philani Ngidi - collapsed at home. Her mother frantically drove her to hospital but attempts to revive Cindi were unsuccessful. She was 29 years old.
In January this year, she was due to appear in Motown For Ever!, a production created by Hamish Kyd at the Catalina but this had to be shelved at the last minute because of the unavailability of certain cast members.
Cindi was a member of the talented cast in Hamish Kyd’s hit musical Jimbowhen it made a triumphant re-run in July, 2006, after wowing Playhouse audiences during its premiere season 13 years ago. The artSMart review noted that Cindy (as the young Natasha) was a singing talent to watch.
She was nominated for a Durban Theatre Award in the category of New Performer for her performances in Jimboas well as a production of Sophiatownin which she appeared.
In October last year, she took part in Clinton Marius’s hilarious iLobolowhich appeared on the KZN Regional Finals of the NLDTF / PANSA Festival of Contemporary Theatre Reading of New Writings. The production won the Audience’s Prize for its popularity.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Cindy Ngidi last year when she agreed to read one of the lead roles in my stage comedy, iLobolo,” says Clinton Marius. “I was struck by her enthusiasm and commitment to her work. Engaging and vivacious, Cindy jumped right in and gave it her all. I remember thinking what a bright soul she was, and that the world was her oyster as far as an acting career was concerned. This was a young woman who seemed destined to go far.
“What a sad day it is to hear that Cindy is no longer with us. I hear her infectious laughter in my head and I’m sure that I’m not the only person who will remember her with fondness and delight.”
More tributes to follow.
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