adminBongani Ndlovu/Mkhululi Ncube Showbiz Reporters
THE late Soul Brothers front-man David Masondo predicted his death, if lyrics on the track Ifu Elimnyama off the group’s latest album Undendende (Into engapheli) are anything to go by. Masondo died in hospital in July at the age of 67 after collapsing on stage during a show in Durban. The album, a celebration of the group’s 40-year musical journey, was recorded before his death and released in October.
When listening to Ifu Elimnyama, one could be forgiven for thinking that Soul Brothers composed the song as a dedication to Masondo. Ifu elimnyama (a dark cloud) in African culture stirs up emotions of death and sadness.
Some say when a person is about to die they have a premonition, and true to this, Masondo’s lyrics on the chorus are testimony that he knew his time to die had come.
“Salani senivuma! Salani nimukela! Ifu elimnyama, elivelile la ekhaya! UNkulunkulu uyaph’ aphind’ athathe futhi! Makholwa vumani bo, ukuthi indlela yakh’ibe mhlophe!” are some of Masondo’s lyrics.
Loosely translated: “Farewell all you must accept it (death)! Farewell all you must welcome it (death)! A dark cloud has enveloped our home. God gives and takes away. Believers accept it, so that he can go well.”
The various instruments on the song blend to form a sorrowful, sad melody that evokes the sombre mood of a funeral wake.
Moses Ngwenya sets the tone for the song on the keyboard before Masondo in his velvety voice starts singing.
Referring to Irish poet, William Butler who penned a poem An Irish Airman Foresees His Death about his death, the Soul Brothers posted on their Facebook fan page: “David left having sung a song that closed his chapter of life.”
Other tracks on the album are Isicefe, Undendende, Ngeke Ngikuphendule, Mkhululeni, Akalali, Izifamona and Mntanami.
Featured on the album are Grammy award winners Lady Smith Black Mambazo on two tracks Undendende and Hlisani Umoya. On the second track, gospel artiste Steve Kekana is featured on the song which bemoans the xenophobic attacks that gripped South Africa in the past. The song also cries against corruption, fraud, murder and rape.
South Africa’s famous Maskandi artiste, Ihashi Elimhlophe, features on the song Uthembeni. The song, which opens with the famous Maskandi guitar, is about a parent asking their child why they are absconding school as education is their future. The artistic mixture of the Maskandi sound and the Soul Brothers’ beat creates a unique sound that proves the talents of the artistes.
The Soul Brothers said they had a toned down approach to this album, similar to previous albums, Isicelo (1983), Isithembiso (1984) and Impimpi (1989). It is punctuated by the signature bass guitar and slow beat with powerful social messages.
derick.khumalo