Speech by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, MP, on the occasion of the funeral service of legendary musician and Soul Brother's lead singer, David Masondo
Siyabonga mphathi hlelo:
Ngithanda ukubingelela umndeni wakwaMasondo
Executive Mayor of the City of eThekwini, Cllr James Nxumalo
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Mike Mabuyakhulu
Representatives of the various religious denominations
Musicians and other artists present here
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen;
We are gathered here to celebrate and pay our last respects to the extraordinary life of David Masondo. The outpourings of tributes over the past week testify to the fact that Mdavu was indeed an immensely talented musician who touched many people’s lives.
The ancients say when a big tree falls; the earth is bound to shake. This rings true of what we have witnessed over the past couple of days after the falling of this giant. The passing of David Masondo has shaken all corners of South Africa and beyond.
It is difficult to talk about Mdavu without alluding to his enormous contribution to the development of mbhaqanga music in South Africa. Many of us know him as the lead singer of the legendary group, the Soul Brothers. However, Mdavu had humble beginnings, performing his music in the townships as a member of the Groovy Boys.
The formation of the Soul Brothers in 1974 was the dawn of a new era in the South African music fraternity. The Soul Brothers revolutionised the South African music scene, introducing their unique sounds and taking ownership of their destiny by recording their own music. They stood out head and shoulders above many of their peers because of their unique sounds, dance and attire.
You did not need to be a staunch fan of mbhaqanga music to know or appreciate the music of the Soul Brothers. Who can forget their slick costumes, flamboyant dance skills and the lead singer’s unique voice?
The contribution of the Soul Brothers to the South African music landscape in immeasurable. They actively contributed to our musical heritage for over four decades and engendered wider audiences for traditional music. As the lead singer of the group, Mdavu recorded over thirty albums with the Soul Brothers and they remain the most successful proponents of mbhaqanga music.
It was always a matter of pride to know that Mdavu honed his skills in the streets of Hammersdale, which he traversed in his quest for musical success. As youngsters growing up in this area, we were inspired by the success stories of people like David Masondo, who demonstrated to us that hard work is the only legitimate way to real success.
Today, traditional music is a genre to be reckoned with, thanks to groups such as the Soul Brothers for their tenacity and resilience in their pursuit of musical prowess. I am looking forward to listening to the song that they recorded with the internationally acclaimed isichathamiya group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This was a fitting farewell to Mdavu, who passion for traditional music is indisputable.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this Soul Brother has joined the orchestra of late musicians like Johnny Dimba, Mahlathini Nkabinde, and other luminaries who were the treasure trove of our musical heritage.
The challenge that lies ahead of us is to uphold their legacy and create an enabling environment for the emergence of new voices in traditional music.
It is the discovery of new voices that will make us rise above our loss. This is a challenge that the whole nation will have to confront, and together we shall prevail.
The existence of structures like the Cultural and Creative Industries of South Africa (CCIFSA) and the South African Music Industry Council (SAMIC) offers a unique opportunity for the arts fraternity to work hand-in-hand with government. Together we share the common vision of protecting South African artists while at the same time supporting the development of their creative talents.
It is imperative that we show appreciation and care for our artists while they are still alive. I am proud to say that David Masondo was one of the musical legends who were honoured by the President of the Republic, H.E. Jacob Zuma, for their outstanding contribution to the arts sector in December last year.
The passing of this great legend marks an end to a glorious career that spans over four decades. We find solace in the realisation that his music will keep on resounding from beyond the grave.
The best way to pay tribute to the legacy of this musical legend is to ensure that mbhaqanga music never dies. We acknowledge with appreciation the contribution made by other practitioners in the music industry, including radio personalities such as the late Kansas City Mchunu, Saba Mbixane, as well as Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande, who is also the Manager of the Soul Brothers.
We express our sincere gratitude to them and other practitioners who contribute meaningfully to the development of South African music. We must encourage the public to keep supporting local artists in every way possible.
We once again convey our heartfelt condolences to the Masondo family, fans, friends and relatives, and all those who were touched by Mdavu’s life. The inevitability of death propels us do our best today, for we don’t know what tomorrow holds. Mdavu contributed immensely to the music industry in his life time.
Even death cannot kill his legacy; it cannot deny his contribution. The name “David Masondo” is eternally etched in the annals of our history and heritage. He may have ceased to breathe, but even death cannot erase his name. His deeds in his lifetime are greater than the incident of death. We will forever cherish his memory.
Hamba kahle, Soul Brother!
