Soul Brothers Moses Ngwenya remembers fallen members

As the Soul Brothers mark 50 years in music, the group’s only surviving founding member, Dr Moses Ngwenya, has taken a reflective pause to honour two late stalwarts, Themba “American” Zulu and Zenzele Israel Mchunu, whose contributions helped shape the band’s enduring legacy.

Hailing from Kinross in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Themba “American” Zulu was among the founding pillars of Soul Brothers. Beyond the group, he occasionally backed the Mthembu Queens, a project formed by Hansford Mthembu. Initially a rhythm guitarist, American later shared the stage more prominently, stepping in as a backing vocalist to lead singer David Masondo.

Within the Soul Brothers catalogue, his imprint is unmistakable. He composed several notable tracks, including Ake Niyeke Botsotsi, Thandiwe, and Langishiy’ Ithemba Lami, later remixed as Ithemba Lami on the album Induk’enhle.

“Americans’ compositions told a story and commented on issues affecting human beings daily. The track ‘Uthembeni Na’, from the album ‘Nilindeni’, advises people not to rest on their laurels and expect freebies.
“The track ‘Indawo Yokulala’ in the album ‘Deliwe’ is a timeless piece that comments on the pain of being homeless. He was so content in producing real music that had so much appeal to the people. Even today, his compositions still have an impact on our lives,” said Ngwenya.

Following the tragic deaths of fellow founding members Tuza Mthethwa and Mpompi Sosibo in 1979, American composed Asisaphelele, a moving tribute to the fallen bandmates. He later left Soul Brothers in 1982 to pursue business interests in the taxi industry, with Usathane Simehlulile marking his final recording with the group. In 1992, his life was cut short when he was gunned down near his home in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga.

Ngwenya also paid tribute to Zenzele Israel Mchunu, affectionately known as Zakes, another key figure in the group’s formation and growth. Mchunu, the original bass guitarist of The Soul Brothers, was part of the Young Brothers, a KwaZulu-Natal outfit he formed alongside David Masondo and Tuza Mthethwa, before the group evolved in Johannesburg with the addition of American Zulu.

Beyond his bass mastery, Mchunu’s versatility extended to vocals and songwriting. He led on early tracks such as Adam NoEva and Bofowethu from the album Mshoza Wami, both of which he composed. He also penned Dadewethu, released as a single in 1980 and later reworked into Inkani for the tribute album Uphelile Umndeni Wami.
“Mchuni was a brilliant bassist and composer. In 1983, he recruited Sikhumbuzo Mabaso (lead guitarist) and Sicelo Ndlela (bassist), who replaced Mchunu after his death.
“He was a visionary of note and a mastermind behind the founding of the Soul Brothers production, a production company that would be established in 1985 after he had passed on a year earlier,” said Dr Ngwenya.

In 1983, Mchunu also featured as a bassist on Hugh Masekela’s Techno Bush album, further cementing his musical pedigree. However, his life was tragically cut short following the recording of the Soul Brothers’ 1984 album Isithembiso, when he died in a car accident.

As the group celebrates five decades of existence, Ngwenya emphasised the importance of remembering these pioneers, whose artistry and vision helped define the Soul Brothers sound.

Their legacy, he noted, lives on through the timeless mbaqanga rhythms that continue to resonate across generations.