Masondo's death a double blow for the band and fans - Methuseli Moyo

ONE of the strong followers of Umbaqqanga music who is a social and political commentator Methuseli Moyo has said the death of the Soul Brothers lead vocalist David Masondo is a double blow to the band and the fans who had so much passion in rallying behind the group.

Masondo died on Sunday in Johannesburg.

"David Masondo's death is a double blow," said Moyo.

"It marks the demise of the melodious, thoughtful voice that lead and held the legendary mbaqanga music outfit, the Soul Bothers together, and possibly, the death of the band itself."

He said Masondo was a connoisseur when it came to fusing words, voice and dance to connect with the masses, be it on stage or videos.

"The band has been around for over 40 years, releasing hit after hit, performing all over the world, and turning all of Southern Africa into their home ground," said Moyo.

"What makes Masondo and Soul Brothers unique? The band had music for all occasions. When you were down, or even grieving, songs such as Xola (Peace), Nhliziyo Yami (My Heart), and others fitted the occasion perfectly. When you lost a loved one to someone else, Hamba Hluphekile is the song. When your future spouse was delaying the process or you thought so and want him/her to marry you, Mkhwekazi is the song. For traditional men like me, when you feel your wife wants to run the show and need to remind her that your are the man of the home, Yim'indoda is apt."

He said in essence, the Soul Brothers have sung about all vices and virtues of life - love, beauty, honesty, worship, hard work, respect, peace, domestic violence, alcoholism, debts, death, marriage, and all.

"It was Masondo's harmonious voice, charming personality, amazing dancing ability and leadership that glued the group's talents together and through him the Soul Brothers expressed themselves. But he is gone. Gone for good. May his dear sour rest is peace," he said.

"Millions of us who love and follow the Soul Brothers are anxious to see the group move forward. If that failed, we take comfort in the fact that the Soul Brothers have left us a legacy of more 40 albums. Long live Soul Brothers, Ogandaganda (The Tractors). Indeed Soul Brothers music and influence is as powerful as the tractor."