adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
South Africa’s Thokozani Hadebe who replaced late lead vocalist David Masondo, has released a solo album Hamb’ubuye. The 12-track album released in South Africa last week was co-produced by Masondo’s son Siyabonga. It follows his 2010 debut album, Washonaphi.
With tracks, Bantabami, Hamb’ubuye, Ngaphansi Kwegazi, Izilingo, Ekhoneni, Thembelihle Wami, Gawula Ubheke, Soka Lami, Umona, Nomalungelo, Siyanibongela and Umkhuba the album is a fusion of Mbaqanga, Maskandi. It also has a mixture of the Soul Brothers’ sound as well as gospel music.
Gifted with the same velvety voice as Masondo, Hadebe, 48, who joined Soul Brothers in 2000 as a backing vocalist was appointed lead singer following the death of Masondo in July this year.
Hadebe said he had released the solo project to fulfil Masondo’s wish to see Soul Brothers working on other projects, other than wholly focusing on the band. He, however, assured fans that he had no plans to leave the group.
“I’m still with Soul Brothers. This album is an adventure to see how I can perform as a solo artiste. Masondo always encouraged us to pursue such careers saying we could learn from them,” said Hadebe.
The artiste said he learnt a lot from working with Masondo in the past 15 years.
“Masondo believed in writing songs that had social messages. He hated writing songs just for the sake of writing. That’s why all the songs on my album are about love and tragedy as I want to teach people about life.”
Hadebe hopes Hamb’Ubuye will be as successful as his debut album Washonaphi which won him a South African Traditional Music Award. “Washonaphi was received well by fans and I hope this one will achieve more than the first,” said Hadebe.
Online Reporter