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Soul Brothers Celebrate 50 Years of Ogandaganda: A Golden Anniversary Album Honouring the Founding Members
By Administrator
Published on 02/12/2025 11:38
Music

To all the fans around the world, the Soul Brothers extend their heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and support shown over the past 50 years.

Formed half a century ago, the group acknowledges that their fan’s loyalty has carried them every step of the way. The new album stands not only as a celebration of that journey but also as a heartfelt commemoration of the founding members: Zenzele Mchunu, Tuza Mthethwa, David Masondo and America Zulu. They also honour the many other incredible musicians who were part of this journey and helped shape the legacy of the Soul Brothers: Japan Sidoyi, Sipho Bhengu, Mpompi Sosibo, Lawrence Mothoa, Vusi Mabuza, Mbongeleni Dladla, Javas Magubane, Lemmy Mabaso, Thomas Phale, Maxwell Mngadi, Sicelo Ndlela, Sifiso Nyoka and July Mhlabane.

 

After the release of our 2023 album Hamba Naye, I began thinking about the next chapter. In early 2024, the vision for our 50th Anniversary Album started to take shape. I dove into our archives going all the way back to the beginning and rediscovered songs that were never released. At the time, they didn’t meet our standards, but I knew they had potential,” says Moses.

Moses adds, “With the help of new technology and AI, I began the profound work of

resurrection. It felt like opening a channel to the past, I was able to carefully revisit and revive

these songs, adjusting the keys, BPM and arrangements, not to change them, but to perfect the vision the brothers originally held. The goal was to polish the recordings until the soul of our original sound was shining and ready for today's audience.

 

 

What makes this album truly special is that fans will hear the voice of the legendary David Masondo one last time. Though he passed away in 2015, his spirit lives on in every note and lyric. This album serves as a tribute to him, and to all the members who contributed to the Soul Brothers’ enduring legacy. For this project, the group had the pleasure of collaborating with international artist Adam Glazzer, who plays the mouth organ. Glazzer visited during the recording sessions, and the band decided to feature him on one of the songs.

 

To celebrate this milestone, the Soul Brothers are preparing to hit the road once again.

The Soul Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour will kick off in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, with performances scheduled at Piet Retief Town Hall on 31 October 2025 and Empangeni Town Hall on 1 November 2025, with more towns and cities to be announced soon. The group is still confirming bookings and looks forward to bringing their timeless music to fans across the country.

They hope everyone enjoys this commemorative album as much as they enjoyed creating it.

Here’s to 50 years of the Soul Brothers — the music still lives on.

 

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