Moses Ngwenya


Black Moses Ngwenya is a South African pianist, keyboardist, and musician. He co-founded the Mbaqanga group [The The Soul Brothers (band)|Soul Brothers (band)|The Soul Brothers] in 1974 with South African singer and drummer, David Masondo. A book titled The Life and Times of Soul Brothers''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.

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. Between 1974 and 1975 as a keyboard player, Ngwenya was part of touring or studio bands for Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje and Usizwe Namatshitshi. 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 in addition to the group.

Career

Ngwenya's musical career began as a keyboardist for the band, the Groovy Boys, formed in KwaZulu-Natal in 1970. 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.

Honors