Soul Brothers Celebrate 50 Years of Mbaqanga Legacy with Black Moses Leading the Charge

This year marks a golden milestone for South Africa’s legendary mbaqanga group, the Soul Brothers, as they celebrate 50 years in the music industry. For five decades, their timeless sound has moved generations and left an indelible mark on Mzansi’s rich musical heritage.

With an impressive discography of over 45 albums, the Soul Brothers have become synonymous with mbaqanga music, a genre that blends traditional Zulu music with modern instrumentation. Their journey began as a creative experiment, driven by friendship and an unwavering love for music.

At the heart of this incredible legacy is Black Moses, whose real name is Moses Ngwenya. Now 66 years old, he stands as the group’s only surviving founding member. Speaking about the origins of the Soul Brothers’ signature sound, Black Moses reflected on how it all started back in the early 1970s in Dube, Soweto.

“We became friends and recorded songs. It was a funny rhythm. I was just playing, not knowing that what I was playing would click like it is clicking now. I was just following a rhythm,” he shared.

The simplicity of his approach belied the magic that was unfolding. With his fingers on the keyboard, Black Moses unknowingly shaped what would become the Soul Brothers’ trademark sound, characterized by infectious melodies and uplifting rhythms.

Reflecting on his musical journey, he emphasized the importance of melody in every composition. “I’ve learnt that each and every song that I play with a keyboard must have a melody,” he said.

The band’s humble beginnings saw them rehearsing in Dube before stepping into the studio to lay down tracks that would soon become national hits. Despite their modest expectations at the time, the Soul Brothers quickly rose to become one of South Africa’s most loved groups.

“I didn’t know it will be as big as it is now, but I played a simple thing all the way until the song ends,” Black Moses recalled.

As the only surviving founder, Black Moses feels a deep responsibility to preserve and promote mbaqanga music. He previously told Daily Sun that the Soul Brothers, as pioneers of the genre, carry the torch for mbaqanga’s future. He remains committed to keeping the sound alive for as long as he lives.

The original Soul Brothers lineup featured Moses Ngwenya alongside the late David “Mdavu” Masondo, Zenzele “Zakes” Mchunu, Tuza Mthethwa, and Themba “American” Zulu. While all his fellow founders have since passed on, Black Moses continues to honor their legacy.

Today, the Soul Brothers are embracing a new era with a fresh lineup of talented vocalists breathing new life into the music. The current members include Nkosinathi Ngwenya of Impumelelo, Thami Khulu of Young Brothers, Sphamandla Masondo of Oguluva, Sibusiso Duma and Bongani Phiyose of Imitshotshovu, as well as Thokozani Hadebe, a former Imitshotshovu member, and Trevor Dlamini from Eswatini.

As the Soul Brothers continue to perform and record, their music remains a symbol of unity, joy, and South African pride. For Black Moses and the entire group, the journey is far from over. The mbaqanga rhythm will keep playing, inspiring new generations to dance, sing, and celebrate the sounds that have defined 50 remarkable years.