adminThousands of music fans yesterday descended on the Hammersdale Stadium, south of Durban, to pay last respects to their fallen star, David Masondo — the lead singer of legendary traditional music group, The Soul Brothers. The funeral service was attended by high profile figures from across the social spectrum. “He was a legend and his music made us proud, he inspired us during the dark periods of apartheid,” Thulane Mzobe, who came all the way from Port Shepstone, in the south coast, said.
Jabulile Zwane, 71, said although her health was failing her, she could not afford to miss the star’s funeral.
“I’ve been playing The Soul Brothers music ever since I was a child. David was such an outstanding musician, and I felt that I should be part of those giving him a sendoff,” she said.
Masondo, 67, who was buried yesterday at a local cemetery, started his career doing gigs around the townships of Durban in the 70s. In 1974 Masondo co-founded The Soul Brothers — a group that went on to become a household name throughout the African continent.
Considered a pioneer in the Zulu soul music genre, the group went on to release more than 30 albums and sold millions of copies on the continent.
High profile names at the funeral included Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, award-winning gospel singer Rebecca Malope and renowned poet Mzwakhe Mbuli. Malope and Penny Nzimande paid their last respects in song and poetry.
Masondo’s friend, Jabu Khanyile, told mourners the legendary singer had died of renal failure.
Masondo, a Mbaqanga traditional music singer who died at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg last Sunday, after complaining of exhaustion had twenty children. But that did not mean he was a reckless person, mourners attending the artist’s funeral in Hammersdale, south of Durban, heard.
“He was a responsible parent who looked after all his children —he never believed that any child could be regarded illegitimate simply because that child was born out of wedlock,” renowned poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, said.
One of the legendary singer’s children, Vivian Masondo, told mourners that her father was a responsible man, who looked after all his kids.
“He had always been there for us – whatever he did he always put us first. My father always made it a point that each one of us was well provided for,” she said.
A sad Moses Ngwenya, who is the Soul Brothers co-founder and keyboard specialist, said the group will soldier on even after Masondo’s death.
“I want to assure our fans that Soul Brothers will continue entertaining people and recording hits.
“Soul Brothers is a brand and we’ve enough members to do the job,” Ngwenya said.
Moses, also known as “Black Moses”, said even if he dies, the group which he formed together with Masondo would continue doing great work as it does not rely on one person. He now has the huge task to take the group from where David left off.
The co-founder said David loved mbaqanga music, so they have to keep him happy in his resting place. He will bring together Soul Brothers’ former members in a few weeks’ time to discuss the way forward.
Masondo and his group were credited for elevating the status of ‘Maskandi’ music. Their colourful matching shirts and harmonies allowed them to carve out a niche in the South African music industry. They also had a massive appeal throughout Southern Africa, regularly filling stadiums in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Some of their hit-songs include Amanikiniki, Umshado, Isigilamkhuba and Idlozi. — Channel24/DailySun/Showbiz Reporter.
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