Moses Ngwenya Explained

Moses Ngwenya
Birth Date:15 July 1958
Birth Place:Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa
Nationality:South African
Known For:The Soul Brothers
Children:3

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.[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.[10]

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. 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.[11] [12]

Career

Ngwenya's musical career began as a keyboardist for the band formed in KwaZulu-Natal in 1970 the Groovy Boys. 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.[13]

Honors

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Zuma . Mbalenhle . 2023-08-29 . Soul Brothers celebrate journey and heritage with book release . 2023-11-09 . Sunday World . en-ZA.
  2. Web site: https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep . Ngwenya's soul touched by Unisa honorary doctorate . 2023-11-09 . SowetanLIVE . en-ZA.
  3. Web site: King of Mbhaqanga celebrated at another level . 2023-11-09 . www.unisa.ac.za.
  4. Web site: Radio . Nehanda . 2018-10-07 . ‘Sometimes I imagine him next to me’. . . . . . Moses Ngwenya on life after David Masondo . 2023-11-09 . Nehanda Radio . en-US.
  5. Web site: Soul Brothers Moses Ngwenya to watch Bosso/Dembare game . 2023-11-09 . Bulawayo24 News.
  6. Web site: Radio . Nehanda . 2017-12-18 . Soul Brothers in Byo festive gig . 2023-11-09 . Nehanda Radio . en-US.
  7. https://www.chronicle.co.zw/splash-soul-brothers-lose-bulawayo-appeal/
  8. Web site: Kandi . Privie . 2023-09-12 . Soul Brothers' only surviving member Moses Ngwenya shares history in new memoir . 2023-11-09 . Briefly . en.
  9. Web site: Ngenyane . Andiswa . Last wish of Soul Brothers' founder honoured . 2023-11-09 . Daily Sun . en-US.
  10. Web site: https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep . Soul Brothers embark on major tour to celebrate 46 years of existence . 2023-11-09 . SowetanLIVE . en-ZA.
  11. Web site: Shows must go on - Soul brothers . 2023-11-09 . Bulawayo24 News.
  12. https://www.chronicle.co.zw/the-soul-brothers-are-coming-bulawayo-maphisa-get-ready-for-razzmatazz/
  13. Web site: Import . Pongrass . 2018-03-02 . Kings of Mbaqanga fans are in for a treat . 2023-11-09 . Kathorus Mail . en-US.
  14. Web site: King of Mbhaqanga celebrated at another level. 2020-11-19. 2024-06-16. Unisa.
  15. Web site: SOUL BROTHERS’ BLACK MOSES DEDICATES DOCTORATE TO EMASWATI. 2024-06-16. Swazi Observer . Simon . Shabangu. 2020-11-03.
  16. Web site: Ngwenya's soul touched by Unisa honorary doctorate. SowetanLIVE. 2024-06-16. Patience. Bambalele . 20 October 2020.