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SOUL BROTHERS’ BLACK MOSES DEDICATES DOCTORATE TO EMASWATI

By Simon Shabangu | 2020-11-03

SOUL Brothers founding member and mbhaqanga music legend Moses Ngwenya has dedicated his doctorate to Eswatini.

The singer stated that Emaswati opened their hearts to the band during difficult times.

Ngwenya will soon be conferred with a degree in Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by the University of South Africa (UNISA) for his role in developing and promoting music in South Africa.

Ngwenya dedicated the honour to all their fans, mainly those from Eswatini as they have been here countless times.

Ngwenya, who is affectionately known as Black Moses in the music scene, will be decorated with the accolade on November 13 in a ceremony to be held at ZK Mathews Hall in Pretoria. In a letter directed to Ngwenya, the university council said they were honoring the legend for his leadership qualities and his contribution to the music industry in South Africa. He is also being recognised for promoting South African music in the international stages.

According to the letter signed by the university’s Registrar Professor MS Mothata, the university expects Ngwenya to deliver a brief acceptance speech on the special evening of the confernment.

Ngwenya when interviewed about the honour said his group was indebted to the people of Eswatini for the support they have extended to the group since it debuted the music scene over 40 years ago.

“Soul Brothers take Eswatini as our second home because we shared all the 44 years in music together. We performed there many times compared to any other neighbouring country. Emaswati are part of Soul Brothers as they have supported us in all our albums. We thank the media in Eswatini, mainly the radio, for supporting us all these years. We have been performing in Eswatini in every Trade Fair that they hosted from the 70s. I think we performed in Eswatini more than any South African bands,” he said.

Ngwenya said it was their wish for the world to find the coronavirus vaccine so that life can revert back to normal. He said they were itching to celebrate this doctorate with the people of Eswatini but the COVID-19 pandemic has stalled everything.

Miss

“We really miss Eswatini fans, we know everything will be better soon then we will definitely perform for them. As Soul Brothers we would like to urge our fans there to take care of themselves by adhering to all the regulations to prevent the spread of the virus,” he added.

Meanwhile, Black Moses formed the group together with four friends in 1976. Other founding members who passed away are Tuza Mtetwa - 1979, Zenzele Mchunu - 1984, American Zulu - 1988 and David Masondo - 2015. Ngwenya is the only surviving member of the founding team. Following the demise of David Masondo who was the lead singer, the group continues to release albums and stage shows across the world. They released a new album titled Iciniso in August which is receiving massive airplay in South African and local media.

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