By: Mfundo Mabaso and Sthembile Shabalala

The late great “King of Mbaqanga”, David Masondo was laid to rest on Sunday.

The Soul Brothers’ leader and co-founder of the group, David “Mdavu” Masondo was laid to rest after he died a week ago at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.

Masondo became famous in the 1970s when he co- founded the Soul Brothers group. He was known for his famous song Mama ka Sbongile which was played repeatedly at the funeral service.

The funeral service was held at the Mpumalanga Stadium, in Hammarsdale, in the presence of thousands of his fans, family and friends.

Masondo was described by his daughter Vivian Masondo as a “humble and respectful man”.

“He was a father that respected everyone, whether young or old and when my father started a project, he made sure that he completed it,” said Vivian Masondo.

She also said that her father persevered even when times were tough. “He made sure that wherever he went, he left a good name because he loved his family and he didn’t want to shame the Masondo family,” she added.

Meshack Hadebe, speaker of the KZN legislature added, “Mdavu was a person who used to call me brother. His music is so consistent because they portrayed who we really are as South Africans. For them it wasn’t about style that is why their music is so relevant.”

Before Masondo died, he got to fulfill his dream which was to perform a single with the Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He recorded with them in May.

Mdavu is seen to have left a legacy by many prominent artists in the South African music industry.

Rebecca Malope, gospel singer said, “Mbaqanga is big today because of David Masondo and the Soul Brothers.”

Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, famous for his 1993 hit Burn Out, said that Masondo has indeed left a legacy.

“I think what we need to look at is historically where Mbaqanga music has come from and what role David has played in terms of transforming it from the Makhathini era to the Soul Brothers era,” he added.

Sihle Ngidi one of his fans said, “We have lost a hero here. We are not here to cry but to celebrate Mdavu’s life and remember him by what he did best.”

Masondo left behind his daughters, sons and his wife.