Biography
Widely considered to be South Africa’s premier mbaqanga group, the Soul Brothers actually originally played Western-influenced songs in the idiom which gave them their name - soul. Led by David Masondo (vocals) and Moses Ngwenya (keyboards), the original line-up also featured Zakes Mchunu (bass), American Zulu (rhythm guitar) and Tuza Mthethwa (guitar). Mthethwa and Mchunu died in automobile accidents in 1979 and 1984 respectively, and Zulu quit in 1982, forcing Masondo and Ngwenya to draft in Maxwell Mngadi (guitar), Sicelo Ndlela (bass) and Bongani Nxele (drums). Much of the Soul Brothers’ popularity stems from their powerful stage shows, reputed not only in South Africa but also Europe and Australia. As Rick Sanders eulogised in Folk Roots in 1995; ‘Impossible not to feel the spirit raised by that loping, thumping rhythm, the cascades of bright guitar, the sweetest saxes in the world, vocals to melt any granite heart, all...
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