Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds

Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds
Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds, ca. 1941. From l to r: Solomon Linda, Gilbert Madondo, Boy Sibiya, Gideon Mkhize, Samuel Mlangeni, Owen Sikhakhane
Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds, ca. 1941. From l to r: Solomon Linda, Gilbert Madondo, Boy Sibiya, Gideon Mkhize, Samuel Mlangeni, Owen Sikhakhane
Background information
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
GenresMbube, isicathamiya
Years active1933–1949
LabelsGallo Record Company
Past members
  • Solomon Linda
  • Gilbert Madondo
  • Boy Sibiya
  • Gideon Mkhize
  • Samuel Mlangeni
  • Owen Sikhakhane

Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds was a South African vocal group formed by Solomon Linda in 1933. The band is known internationally for their song "Mbube" released in 1939, which is the origin of Disney's 1994, The Lion King, hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".[1] During their activity, they often took part in singing competitions, in which they were unbeatable, according to historian Veit Erlmann.[2] The group disbanded in 1949 after Linda's wedding.[3] They are the pioneers of the musical genres Mbube and Isicathamiya.[4]

  1. ^ "Seeking justice for Lion Sleeps Tonight composer". BBC News. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  2. ^ Erlmann, Veit (March 1996). Nightsong: Performance, Power, and Practice in South Africa. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-21721-5.
  3. ^ Malan, Rian (1 February 2013). The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1-61185-994-2.
  4. ^ Frith, Simon (2004). Popular music: critical concepts in media and cultural studies, Volume 4. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-33270-5.