The Brother Moves On (TBMO) isn't just your typical band. They’re a vibrant mix of music, theater, and art that's redefining performance. Starting somewhere between 2008 and 2010, this South African group was born out of a creative spark between brothers Nkululeko and Siyabonga Mthembu. It originally kicked off as a loose art collective but soon transformed into a captivating musical ensemble.
Their sound? Well, it’s not something you can box into a single genre. They call it 'tradition-trouncing trans-Atlantic Afro-centric futuristically ancient fusion'—a mouthful, right? But it perfectly captures their unique vibe. Imagine a blend where African traditions meet global influences, creating something both familiar and entirely new.
One of the coolest parts about TBMO is their live shows. You don't just listen; you experience. They weave storytelling and theater into every performance, making each show a narrative filled with visual and auditory art. These guys have taken the word 'performance' to a whole new level.
- The Birth of The Brother Moves On
- Evolution from Art Collective to Band
- Unique Performances and Collaborations
- Exhibitions and Recognitions
- Impact on South African Art and Music
The Birth of The Brother Moves On
Once upon a time, in the vibrant landscape of South Africa, a creative spark ignited between two brothers, Nkululeko and Siyabonga Mthembu. This was somewhere between 2008 and 2010, a period bustling with artistic energy and cultural exploration. They wanted to create something that broke boundaries—not just in music but in artistic expression as a whole.
Initially, The Brother Moves On was a loose art collective. It wasn’t just about music at first; it was this sprawling mix of graphic arts, performance, and storytelling. The idea was to create a space where different artistic forms could blend into each other, not confined to one medium.
In these early days, their gatherings were a melting pot of creativity. Rehearsals took place at the Music Academy of Gauteng, where they were under the watchful mentorship of Dr. Johnny Mekoa and Malcolm Jiyane—giants in their own right within South Africa's music scene.
The Transition to Music
By drawing from these diverse roots, the collective naturally began to evolve into a more music-centered ensemble. Siyabonga took on the role of the frontman, his voice effortlessly leading the charge. With his brother Zelizwe Mthembu on lead guitar, they added depth and richness to their emerging sound.
The addition of Ayanda Zalekile (bass) and Simphiwe Tshabalala (drums) brought a rhythm section that could only be described as the heartbeat of the group. This core team nailed down a sound that's an eclectic blend of African rhythms and global influences—a sound that rooted them firmly in the music scene.
What's In a Name?
Interestingly, their name, The Brother Moves On, began as a happy accident—a misinterpretation of 'Brother Mouzone,' a character from the popular TV show, The Wire. This little twist of fate seemed to embody the essence of the group: unpredictable, yet perfectly fitting.
Evolution from Art Collective to Band
In the early days, The Brother Moves On was more of an art hangout than a formal band. Picture a group of friends coming together to create art in any form their hearts desired—be it graphic design, performance art, or a jam session. But as fate would have it, their jamming started to hit different, and what was once just a casual gathering suddenly had the makings of something much brighter and sound-filled.
Founded by brothers Nkululeko and Siyabonga Mthembu, the group initially explored different kinds of artistic expressions before deciding to get serious about their musical pursuits. It was like a natural progression—turning the energy of their art collective into a rhythm machine of creativity. Siyabonga took charge of the vocals, while their cousin Zelizwe Mthembu climbed on board as the lead guitarist. Soon, Ayanda Zalekile was rocking the bass guitar, and Simphiwe Tshabalala laid down the beats on drums. Together, they formed the core of the band we now know.
TBMO made their mark by being far from ordinary. Forget just standing on a stage and playing instruments. They were experimenting with every aspect of what a performance could be—using storytelling, visual elements, and even a bit of theater. It was like attending an art show while at a concert. And that's what set them apart from the rest. They didn’t just play music; they created an experience.
Their time spent at the Music Academy of Gauteng played a crucial role in shaping their sound. Here, they found mentorship under Dr. Johnny Mekoa and jazz artist Malcolm Jiyane. It was during these sessions that they honed their musical skills and fully embraced their unique style. Talk about being in the right place at the right time—it was a stepping stone that launched them from being a cool art collective to a band with a genre-bending, groundbreaking sound.
Unique Performances and Collaborations
The Brother Moves On is not your typical music group; they transform every performance into an unforgettable experience. They've brought something new to the South African arts scene by blending various forms of art and including storytelling in their shows. It's why they stand out and why their live performances are never just about the music.
When they take the stage, it's a colorful tapestry of theater, art, and sound. Their performances are not only about the songs; they're immersive stories where the audience is drawn into a unique world. The essence of these performances is their ability to weave together different cultural elements, creating a bridge between the past and future of African music.
Collaborations that Elevate
TBMO frequently collaborates with other artists, which elevates their music to another level. They’ve teamed up with national and international musicians, poets, and visual artists. Some of their notable collaborations include working with celebrated saxophonists Mthunzi Mvubu and Mohammed Dawjee. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and unique sounds to their music, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
Another key player in their collaborations is jazz artist Malcolm Jiyane, whose involvement helps add a jazz layer to their performances. What makes these collaborations successful is TBMO's openness to experimenting and pushing the boundaries, allowing various artistic voices to coexist in harmony.
Whether performing at high-profile events or intimate settings, The Brother Moves On knows how to make an impression that lingers long after the last note has faded. It's this specialty in diverse and impactful performances that has marked their path not only as musicians but as revolutionary artists shaking up the South African stage.
Exhibitions and Recognitions
When it comes to gaining recognition, The Brother Moves On doesn't just rely on their live gigs—the art world has taken notice too. One of their significant milestones was participating in the exhibition *Working Title* at the highly respected Goodman Gallery in 2015/6. This wasn't just a low-key entrance into the art scene—it was a statement: they're here to blend art with music in a way that's both radical and unique.
By September 2016, they had orchestrated their first solo exhibition, a crowning achievement that gave audiences a fuller scope of their artistry. This exhibition was more than just an impressive showcase of their talents; it was an immersion into the multimedia experience they've cultivated over the years.
The Guardian once described their work as "powerful and captivating," recognizing TBMO's ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional art norms.
It's through these platforms that TBMO has made a lasting impact on South African art and music. Their exhibitions don't just exhibit—they ignite conversations about identity, culture, and the future of African artistry. As you can imagine, this group has not only captured the attention of fans but also art critics and enthusiasts looking for something genuine and profound.
These recognitions have given them the momentum to keep integrating art and music further. If you're ever at one of their exhibitions, you're not just seeing a band; you're witnessing a cultural movement.
Impact on South African Art and Music
When we talk about the influence of The Brother Moves On on South Africa's art and music scene, we're diving into how they’ve blurred the lines between music, visual arts, performance, and storytelling. It's not just that they sound different—they've introduced a whole new way of thinking about what a performance can be.
Redefining Performance Art
In a region already rich with musical talent, TBMO stands out by integrating elements from multiple artistic disciplines in their shows. They don't just put on concerts; they create multi-sensory experiences. They've helped push the boundaries of what performance art means in South Africa, encouraging other artists to experiment and adopt a multidisciplinary approach.
Championing Local Voices
By incorporating traditional African sounds with modern music, TBMO shines a spotlight on local cultures. They've been influential in keeping unique South African stories and rhythms alive through their music while introducing these elements to international audiences. Their shows often include local poetry and dramatic performances, making the audience fully engage with the cultural narratives.
Collaboration and Experimentation
TBMO is also known for its collaborations with other artists. By working with musicians and poets like Malcolm Jiyane and Itai Hakim, they show the power of collective creativity. These collaborations enhance the music scene by blending different styles and disciplines, fostering innovation and experimentation within the industry.
Recognition and Influence
They've not only been recognized on stage but also in art galleries, such as their solo exhibition at Goodman Gallery. Their blend of storytelling and experimental media has been described as 'powerful and captivating,' which has been acknowledged in reviews by notable publications like The Guardian.
In essence, The Brother Moves On has become a beacon of creativity in South Africa, showing how art can transcend traditional boundaries and inspire new forms of expression across the global stage.