Moses Ngwenya
Born (1958-07-15) July 15, 1958
Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Known forThe Soul Brothers
Children3

Black Moses Ngwenya (born 15 July 1958) is a South African pianist, keyboardist, and musician. He co-founded the Mbaqanga group The Soul Brothers in 1974 with South African singer and drummer, David Masondo.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] A book titled The Life and Times of Soul Brothers[8][9]was written by Sydney Maluleke. Maluleke said the book tells the story of how the band was formed, how their albums were composed, the loss of band members, why they are called kings of Mbaqanga, and what their music is all about.[1][2][10][11]

Background

Early life

Ngwenya was born on 15 July 1958 in Dube Village, Soweto, South Africa. His first musical endeavor was Crocodile Rock, a band formed with his older brothers, playing guitar then drums.[1] Between 1974 and 1975 as a keyboard player, Ngwenya was part of touring or studio bands for Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje and Usizwe Namatshitshi (of which both bands associated with talent scout Hamilton Nzimande). Around this time, Mgwenya crossed paths with The Young Brothers who were backing another Nzimande band, Udingane Namajongosi. Ngwenya and the Young Brothers hit it off, beginning to collaborate musically in addition to their main backing gigs and this would be the beginning of the Soul Brothers. Ngwenya has also released many solo albums apart from the group.[1][2][12][13][14]

Career

Ngwenya's musical career began as a keyboardist for the band formed in KwaZulu-Natal in 1970 the Groovy Boys.[1] It was in Johannesburg where he joined with his friend to create the Soul Brothers, and David Masondo made the move from drums to lead vocals. The combination of Masondo's quavering soprano voice and Ngwenya's percussive Hammond organ playing gave the Soul Brothers a unique and instantly recognizable sound. This core rhythm section was typically augmented with a brass section, guitars, and multiple vocal harmonies.[15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Zuma, Mbalenhle (2023-08-29). "Soul Brothers celebrate journey and heritage with book release". Sunday World. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  2. 1 2 3 https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep. "Ngwenya's soul touched by Unisa honorary doctorate". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2023-11-09. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  3. ↑ "King of Mbhaqanga celebrated at another level". www.unisa.ac.za. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  4. ↑ Radio, Nehanda (2018-10-07). "'Sometimes I imagine him next to me'. . . . . . Moses Ngwenya on life after David Masondo". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  5. ↑ "Soul Brothers Moses Ngwenya to watch Bosso/Dembare game". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  6. ↑ Radio, Nehanda (2017-12-18). "Soul Brothers in Byo festive gig". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  7. ↑ https://www.chronicle.co.zw/splash-soul-brothers-lose-bulawayo-appeal/
  8. ↑ Kandi, Privie (2023-09-12). "Soul Brothers' only surviving member Moses Ngwenya shares history in new memoir". Briefly. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  9. ↑ Ngenyane, Andiswa. "Last wish of Soul Brothers' founder honoured". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  10. ↑ https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/authors/bambalelep. "Soul Brothers embark on major tour to celebrate 46 years of existence". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2023-11-09. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  11. ↑ Soul Brothers Release Sizzling Album, 2017-10-07, retrieved 2023-11-09
  12. ↑ The Life of Soul Brothers' Black Moses Ngwenya - Nongcebo McKenzie: The Podcast, retrieved 2023-11-09
  13. ↑ "Shows must go on - Soul brothers". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  14. ↑ https://www.chronicle.co.zw/the-soul-brothers-are-coming-bulawayo-maphisa-get-ready-for-razzmatazz/
  15. ↑ Import, Pongrass (2018-03-02). "Kings of Mbaqanga fans are in for a treat". Kathorus Mail. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
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