Three decades of Soul Brothers!

The Brothers will share the stage with other top acts including jazz sensation Gerald Albright, guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, award-winning acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, playwright and composer Mbongeni Ngema, Zulu traditional music exponent Ihhashi Elimhlophe and the “White Zulu” Johnny Clegg.
Among the youthful outfits expected to show off their talents at the show are kwaito crews like Zakes Bantwini, The Soil, DJ Siyanda, afro-soul singer Siphokazi, gospel singer Sifiso Ncwane and the versatile Oskido.
The Soul Brothers — known for their flamboyant costumes, harmonious social commentary-laden tunes, and sleek choreography — are a big brand on their own.
The group has travelled all over the world and are best known for enduring hits including “Idlozi”, “Intombi Yami” and “Jump & Jive”. They have to date produced 37 albums, which have sold more than three million copies worldwide.
Vocalist David Masondo says 36 years of entertaining audiences has been the highlight of the group’s career.
“We want to sing and dance while we are saying thank you to our fans for this wonderful journey,” Masondo said.
“Our journey began in the early 1970s when the band travelled from KwaZulu-Natal to Johannesburg in search of fame and fortune. As it turned out, it did not take us long to get what we were after. Our first two singles — ‘Mshoza Wam’ and ‘Mama Ka S’Bongile’ — both became massive hits.”
The Soul Brothers have experienced a fair share of tragedy as well. They lost popular dancers and fellow band members Tuza Mthethwa in 1979 and Zakes Mchunu in 1984.
The group was joined by youthful performers like Sicelo Ndlela and Maxwell Mngadi, who have since become equally popular household names, although Ngwenya and Masondo are still the “faces” of the Soul Brothers “brand”. — Sowetan.