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Durban. — Eminent South African musician David Mbuso Masondo died yesterday, at the age of 67.

The death of Masondo, the lead singer of the Soul Brothers, was announced by his band on their Facebook group.

“It is very sad to announce that the main man, the anchor man, the lead singer of our band, has passed on today (yesterday) at the age of 67,” they wrote.

“Rest in peace Mdavu mfo ka Masondo.”

In May, Masondo had been rushed to hospital after suffering from fatigue and exhaustion during a live performance.

According to Drum, the 67-year-old Soul Brothers member was rushed to hospital after an energetic performance in Port Elizabeth.

“Age is not on his side, running around a lot during a performance is not good for him,” the band’s management had said.

“After the performances he was weak and tired so we took him to hospital,” they added.

Soul Brothers have recorded over 30 albums since their formation in 1974.

According to www.music.org.za, the band was initially formed in KwaZulu-Natal and was one of the most successful proponents of the mbaqanga sound which dominated South African urban music for over three decades.

For almost four decades, the Soul Brothers have remained together.

They are perhaps one of the longest serving, consistent and most intact groups in South Africa, whose resistance to splits that characterise so many music groups should be commended.

They have won the hearts of many, not only in their backyard but across the borders of South Africa.

They have 39 albums in their 39-year music career and are working on their 40th album set for release next month.

The group has lost three of its founder members and recently there was an attempt on the life of one of the remaining two founder members Black Moses Ngwenya who was shot at and robbed by gunmen.

Their genesis goes back, to the Groovy Boys, a 1970 Natal band where founding member David Masondo was a drummer.

The group did not last long, but David Masondo, bassist Zakes Mchunu, and guitarist Tuza Mthethwa kept the music alive while working in a factory.

Seeking fame and fortune that did not arrive quickly, the Soul Brothers did not lose hope and their defining moment came when Black Moses Ngwenya and singer David Masondo joined forces in 1976. — Agencies.