Moses Ngwenya

Last updated
Moses Ngwenya.
Born (1958-07-15) July 15, 1958 (age 66)
Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Known for The Soul Brothers
Children3

Black Moses Ngwenya (born 15 July 1958) is a South African pianist, keyboardist, and musician. He co-founded the Mbaqanga group The Soul Brothers in 1974 with South African singer and drummer, [[David Masondo (singer)|David Masondo]]. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] A book titled The Life and Times of Soul Brothers [8] [9] was written by Sydney Maluleke. Maluleke said the book tells the story of how the band was formed, how their albums were composed, the loss of band members, why they are called kings of Mbaqanga, and what their music is all about. [1] [2] [10] [11]

Contents

Background

Early life

Ngwenya was born on 15 July 1958 in Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa. His first musical endeavor was Crocodile Rock, a band formed with his older brothers, playing guitar then drums. [1] Between 1974 and 1975 as a keyboard player, Ngwenya was part of touring or studio bands for Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje and Usizwe Namatshitshi (of which both bands associated with talent scout Hamilton Nzimande). Around this time, Mgwenya crossed paths with The Young Brothers who were backing another Nzimande band, Udingane Namajongosi. Ngwenya and the Young Brothers hit it off, beginning to collaborate musically in addition to their main backing gigs and this would be the beginning of the Soul Brothers. Ngwenya has also released many solo albums apart from the group. [1] [2] [12] [13] [14]

Career

Ngwenya's musical career began as a keyboardist for the band formed in KwaZulu-Natal in 1970 the Groovy Boys. [1] It was in Johannesburg where he joined with his friend to create the Soul Brothers, and David Masondo made the move from drums to lead vocals. The combination of Masondo's quavering soprano voice and Ngwenya's percussive Hammond organ playing gave the Soul Brothers a unique and instantly recognizable sound. This core rhythm section was typically augmented with a brass section, guitars, and multiple vocal harmonies. [15]

Honors

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulawayo</span> City and province in Zimbabwe

Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, and the largest city in the country's Matabeleland region. The city's population is disputed; the 2022 census listed it at 665,940, while the Bulawayo City Council claimed it to be about 1.2 million. Bulawayo covers an area of 546 square kilometres in the western part of the country, along the Matsheumhlope River. Along with the capital Harare, Bulawayo is one of two cities in Zimbabwe that are also provinces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manicaland Province</span> Province in Zimbabwe

Manicaland is a province in eastern Zimbabwe. After Harare Province, it is the country's second-most populous province, with a population of 2.037 million, as of the 2022 census. Making it the third most densely populated province after Harare and Bulawayo provinces. Manicaland was one of five original provinces established in Southern Rhodesia in the early colonial period. The province endowed with country's major tourist attractions, the likes of Mutarazi Falls, Nyanga National Park and Zimbabwe's top three highest peaks. The province is divided into ten administrative subdivisions of seven rural districts and three towns/councils, including the provincial capital, Mutare. The name Manicaland is derived from one of the province's largest ethnic groups, the Manyika, who originate from the area north of the Manicaland province and as well as western Mozambique, who speak a distinct language called ChiManyika in Shona.

Mbaqanga is a style of South African music with rural Zulu roots that continues to influence musicians worldwide today. The style originated in the early 1960s, and blends traditional African vocal styles and melodies with European and American popular music.

Fletcher Dulini Ncube was a Zimbabwean politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Lobengula-Magwegwe. He was born at the Hope Fountain Mission in Zimbabwe on January 9, 1940.

Norman Takanyariwa Mapeza is a Zimbabwean football manager and former player. During his career, he played as a defender and midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of South Africa</span> Largest public university in South Africa

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment. It attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa. Through various colleges and affiliates, UNISA has over 400,000 students, including international students from 130 countries worldwide, making it one of the world's mega universities and the only such university in Africa.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) is the political party's highest decision-making body in between its party conferences. It serves as the primary executive organ responsible for leading and governing the ANC, directing the party’s policies, strategies, and overall operations. The NEC is elected every five years at the ANC’s National Conference and consists of 87 members, including the party's top officials, such as the president of the ANC, deputy president, chairperson, secretary-general, two deputy secretaries-general, and treasurer-general.

Knowledge Musona is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who plays as a left winger or forward for Al-Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League. Musona, also captained the Zimbabwe national team prior to retiring from international football. Previously, he has played senior football in South Africa, Belgium and Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jozi FM</span> South African radio station

Jozi FM is a local radio station that started in 1995 as Soweto Community Radio. In 1999–2000, Soweto Community Radio and Buwa Radio merged to form Jozi FM, to form the largest community radio station in South Africa, broadcasting in several languages including: English, isiZulu, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana and Xitsonga. The station's radio format is 50 percent music and 50 percent discussion. The studios are based at Khaya Centre in Dube, Soweto, in South Africa, and the station covers regions all across Soweto, Kagiso, Lenasia, Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Kempton Park, Germiston and Alberton.

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berita</span> Zimbabwean singer

Gugulethu Khumalo, best known by her stage name Berita, is a Zimbabwean-born singer, songwriter and music producer. Her music is a combination of soul music containing elements from Afro Jazz, contemporary pop influences as well as South African dance music. She is the owner of the independent record label Assali Music. She is also the founder of the Women of Music Business (WOMB), a pan African women empowerment organisation in the music industry.

David Masondo is a South African politician who is currently serving as Deputy Minister of Finance since May 2019. He is also the second deputy general secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC).

<i>Songs in the Key of Love</i> 2020 studio album by Berita

Songs in the Key of Love is the fourth studio album by Zimbabwean-born singer Berita. It was released on 28 February 2020 through Assali Music It features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including Amanda Black, Bekezela, Bongani Sax and Mi Casa trumpeter Mo T. The 13-track album was nominated at the 2021 Zimbabwe Music Awards Best Rnb/Soul album as well as Best Album Of The Year and at the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards.

David Mdavu Masondo was a South African singer and drummer. He was the lead vocalist of Mbaqanga group The Soul Brothers.

Gundwane "Mkhaliphi" Ndiweni was a military leader and the first Paramount Chief of Matabeleland. He is credited for founding modern day Matabeleand and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. He set up the first of the four capitals, Gibxhegu around modern-day Bulawayo. He was also the maternal uncle of King Mzilikazi - a brother to the kings mother, Cikose Ndiweni. He is best known for leading King Mzilikazi's splinter group to settle in Matabeleland after they left Zululand. For military and security reasons, King Mzilikazi split his migrating kingdom into two. One group was led by himself and the other led by Gundwane Ndiweni. Ndiweni's group traveled through central Botswana arriving in the region now known as Matebeleland, near present-day Bulawayo. He appointed Prince Nkulumane, Mzilikali's son as the Prince, a role he served until Mzilikazi reunited with them. It is unclear what happened to him after 1836. His son, Monyebe Ndiweni, narrates that he died bravely in battle defending Mzilikazi. However, it is suggested by some historians that he was executed by Mzilikazi in 1836 along with other prominent leaders for treason due to this appointment and other rumored plots against the King. His own son was Monyebe Ndiweni, who was executed by Mzilikazi in 1862 for allegedly practicing witchcraft.

Gilmore Tee is a Zimbabwean Media Practitioner, Curator, Cultural Manager and Fashionista. In 2019 he was listed among Forbes Africa's 30 under 30. Gilmore writes for Conde Nast GQ South Africa and Glamour Magazine South Africa. He is also the Founder and Curator of The PiChani, a PAN African lifestyle and cross-networking platform which integrates young entrepreneurs, leaders and achievers, from finance, creative, agriculture, civic, tourism, medical, technology, diplomatic and sports industries. It's the biggest dress-up event in Zimbabwe, hosted in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The Soul Brothers is a South African Mbaqanga music group from KwaZulu-Natal formed in 1975 by Moses Ngwenya and David Masondo. They released over 45 albums including two solo albums that were released by the lead vocalist David Masondo in collaboration with Deborah Fraser, most of which earned them gold status in the Recording Industry of South Africa. In total the band has sold of over five million copies of their entire albums. In 2001, the band won South Africa Music Awards for the song "Intombi Yam", and in 2011, the band won South Africa Music Awards for best Mbaqanga album. In early 1976, the band released a single, "Mshoza Wami" which sold over 60 000 units within three months which was a rare achievement in the Mbhaqanga music genre. The band has visited many countries and performed in different notable events.

Platform One is a South African music group that started in early 1992 at Pimville Square in Soweto. The group is composed of Nani Tengo, the lead vocalist, Sonto Dladla. The group is known for their popular songs such as Taste and Pass, Womnyakazisa, Thuli, Esibayeni and Makoti, among others. The band's debut song, Isencane, remains popular at weddings in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Botswana.

Freddy Gwala is a South African musician born in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. He started his career as a musician in Soweto.

Nokuthula Matsikenyere is a Zimbabwean politician and member of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Zuma, Mbalenhle (2023-08-29). "Soul Brothers celebrate journey and heritage with book release". Sunday World. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  2. 1 2 3 https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep. "Ngwenya's soul touched by Unisa honorary doctorate". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2023-11-09.{{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  3. ↑ "King of Mbhaqanga celebrated at another level". www.unisa.ac.za. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  4. ↑ Radio, Nehanda (2018-10-07). "'Sometimes I imagine him next to me'. . . . . . Moses Ngwenya on life after David Masondo". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  5. ↑ "Soul Brothers Moses Ngwenya to watch Bosso/Dembare game". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  6. ↑ Radio, Nehanda (2017-12-18). "Soul Brothers in Byo festive gig". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  7. ↑ https://www.chronicle.co.zw/splash-soul-brothers-lose-bulawayo-appeal/
  8. ↑ Kandi, Privie (2023-09-12). "Soul Brothers' only surviving member Moses Ngwenya shares history in new memoir". Briefly. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  9. ↑ Ngenyane, Andiswa. "Last wish of Soul Brothers' founder honoured". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  10. ↑ https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep. "Soul Brothers embark on major tour to celebrate 46 years of existence". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2023-11-09.{{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  11. ↑ Soul Brothers Release Sizzling Album, 2017-10-07, retrieved 2023-11-09
  12. ↑ The Life of Soul Brothers' Black Moses Ngwenya - Nongcebo McKenzie: The Podcast , retrieved 2023-11-09
  13. ↑ "Shows must go on - Soul brothers". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  14. ↑ https://www.chronicle.co.zw/the-soul-brothers-are-coming-bulawayo-maphisa-get-ready-for-razzmatazz/
  15. ↑ Import, Pongrass (2018-03-02). "Kings of Mbaqanga fans are in for a treat". Kathorus Mail. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  16. ↑ "King of Mbhaqanga celebrated at another level". Unisa. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  17. ↑ Shabangu, Simon (2020-11-03). "SOUL BROTHERS' BLACK MOSES DEDICATES DOCTORATE TO EMASWATI". Swazi Observer. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  18. ↑ Bambalele, Patience (20 October 2020). "Ngwenya's soul touched by Unisa honorary doctorate". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.