New album a tribute to deceased bandmates
Soul Brothers’ comeback receives warm welcome
Soul Brothers, South Africa’s legendary mbaqanga group, released their 41st album in remembrance of fallen members of the band.
Titled Uphelile Umndeni Wami, the album has received a warm welcome from fans. It is the group’s first album since the death of lead vocalist and leader David Masondo in 2015.
The group’s only remaining original member, pianist Moses “Black Moss” Ngwenya, told Sowetan that the album was a tribute to co-founders Tuza Mthethwa, Zenzele Mchunu, Themba “American” Zulu and David Masondo. The members died under different circumstances over the years.
“Uphelile Umndeni Wami speaks about the pain of losing the people who co-founded the group with me. The album is a reflection of a journey that spans more than four decades,” Ngwenya said.
“It is also a tribute to millions of fans who supported us from when we started way back in 1975.”
Ngwenya said the release of the album brought relief because people thought Soul Brothers was dead and buried along with Masondo.
He said people had lost hope and thought it was the end.
“While working on the album... we had to make sure the standard did not drop,” he said.
Ngwenya used the talent of Nkosinathi Ngwenya and Thokozani Hadebe as lead vocalists taking Masondo’s place. He said that the two also assisted him in composing songs.
Soul Brothers is this weekend scheduled to perform in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, before touring Zimbabwe and Swaziland.