Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds Explained
Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds was a South African vocal group formed by Solomon Linda in 1933. The band is known internationally for their song "Mbube" released in 1939, which is the origin of Disney's 1994, The Lion King, hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".[1] During their activity, they often took part in singing competitions, in which they were unbeatable, according to historian Veit Erlmann.[2] The group disbanded in 1949 after Linda's wedding.[3] They are the pioneers of the musical genres Mbube and Isicathamiya.[4]
Partial discography
- 1938: Makasani/Mfo Ka Linda
- 1938: Ngqo Ngqongo Vula/Ngi Boni Sebeni
- 1939: Ntombi Ngangiyeshela (recorded c. 1938)/Hamba Pepa Lami
- 1939: Yetulisigqoko
- 1939: Mbube/Ngi Hambile (recorded c. 1938)
- 1939: Sangena Mama/Sohlangana
- 1939: Sengiyofela Pesheya/Ziyekele Mama
- 1940: Jerusalema (recorded c. 1940)/Basibizalonkizwe
- 1940: Sigonde 'Mnambiti (recorded c. 1939)/Bhamporo
- 1942: Ngazula Emagumeni (recorded c. 1941)/Gijima Mfana
- 1942: Ndaba Zika Linda/Ngiyomutshel'Ubaba
- 1944: Savumelana (recorded c. 1940)
References
- News: 2020-12-29. Seeking justice for Lion Sleeps Tonight composer. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-09-30.
- Book: Erlmann, Veit. Nightsong: Performance, Power, and Practice in South Africa. March 1996. University of Chicago Press. 978-0-226-21721-5. en.
- Book: Malan, Rian. The Lion Sleeps Tonight. 2013-02-01. Atlantic Books. 978-1-61185-994-2. en.
- Book: Frith, Simon. Popular music: critical concepts in media and cultural studies, Volume 4. Routledge. 2004. 978-0-415-33270-5. London. Simon Frith.
