Masondo: One of SA's greatest assets - MEC

Monday, July 6, 2015

Pretoria – “In Masondo we’ve lost one of our greatest assets, a symbol of our indigenous knowledge and culture,” says Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Molebatsi Bopape.

The MEC joined a list of people expressing sadness on the passing of Soul Brothers legend, David Masondo, who passed away at the weekend.  

Masondo passed away at the Garden City hospital, in Johannesburg, on Sunday, at the age of 67. 

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary musician from a well-known group Soul Brothers. He and the group touched the lives of many indigenous music lovers in South Africa and abroad since their formation in 1974, with over 35 albums produced.

“We hope we can still have the group producing the kind of music we have come to be known and recognised for by the world.

“On behalf of the entire Gauteng government and its people, we’d like to express our sincerest sympathies to the family, members of the group and all loved ones. May his soul rest in peace and his legacy continue to be an inspiration for the nation,” MEC Bopape said.

President Jacob Zuma had earlier expressed his condolences on the sad departure of Masondo.

"The whole nation mourns this talented icon of our country, whose music not only put South Africa on the global stage but also could be heard in the streets, in the valleys and all corners of our country. It was music for the whole family.

"We wish to convey, on behalf of government and the entire nation, our deepest condolences on the passing of this cultural hero. His loss is the whole nation's loss. May his soul rest in peace," the President said.

The Soul Brothers produced over 30 albums and remained the most successful proponents of the mbaqanga or traditional sound which dominated South African urban music for over three decades.

In 1983, the group recorded an album with the legendary artist Hugh Masekela. – SAnews.gov.za