Farewell to Galie, the unseen architect of musical brilliance

UNITED Ndolwane Super Sounds leaders, Martin “The Big Boss” Sibanda and Charles Mdolomba Ndebele, are mourning the loss of the late legendary drummer and musician for the band, Mbuso “Galie” Ncube, who passed away at Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday.

Also known as Mr Ceremony or The Senior Man, Galie, 53, born in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, held the distinction of being the last original instrumentalist still standing with the band, continuing to contribute his musical talents even after the members went their separate ways.

The Big Boss expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a great talent, emphasising the familial bond they shared.

“The music industry has lost a gallant and well-disciplined artiste who never provoked anyone but consistently discharged his skills passionately. His passing tore me apart because he was no longer just a member of my group but had become like a brother to me.

“Through thick and thin, he never gave up on me until death robbed him from us. May his soul rest in peace,” he lamented.

Charles Ndebele echoed the sentiments, expressing sadness at the loss of hard-working and talented artiste. He said he had hoped for his recovery after being sent back home from South Africa.

“It’s hard to accept the death of someone you’ve been with through thick and thin. Many of us had hoped that by going home, he was going to make a good recovery, but alas, it was not meant to be. Galieman, Mr Ceremony, may his soul rest in peace.

“His death has touched a lot of people who loved him, and my condolences go to his family. Difficult times have arrived,” mourned Ndebele.

The family spokesperson, Pride Phiri, expressed the family’s deep sense of loss, acknowledging Galie as a pillar of strength. He highlighted the artiste’s supportive role in the family.

Phiri extended an invitation to fellow artistes to join in supporting and mourning as they remember their own.

“It’s painful to lose him, given the contribution he made to the family. He leaves behind four children. As a family, we’re open to his fellow artistes to support and mourn with us as one of their own,” he said.

Obert Vundla, united Ndolwane Super Sounds bassist said: “It’s incredibly challenging for me to speak about him because I’ve shared my life with him since 1998 when he was already a part of Ndolwane Super Sounds when I joined. Galie played the drums for the ‘Nimcitsheleni’ album and contributed to the recording of all subsequent albums. His entire life was dedicated to music, and he never engaged in any other profession.

“Galie’s commitment to music was unwavering, having played for numerous bands throughout his career. Despite facing instances where others might have fought for their dues, Galie remained remarkably composed. He chose silence over confrontation; he would rather endure in silence than engage in conflicts.”

He said they recently collaborated in recording The Big Boss’ upcoming album.

In addition to Galie’s significant role in Ndolwane Super Sounds, he demonstrated his drumming prowess alongside a plethora of musicians in Zimbabwe and South Africa. These included luminaries such as Solomon Skuza, Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Andy Brown, Soul Brothers, Dan Tshanda, and various Rhumba bands and artistes spanning diverse music genres.

Despite having played for such high-profile names, he, however, remained the proverbial “man behind the scenes” as his career unfolded predominantly in the background.

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Mourners are gathered in Mpopoma suburb at Block 9/282.