Tag Archives: Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini

b. 1937, Natal, South Africa, d. 27 July 1999, Johannesburg, South Africa. Mahlathini (‘The Lion Of Soweto’) was the most recognized from the basso-profundo ‘groaners’ of dark South African vocal music – as well as the recognized originator of the mbaqanga sub-style referred to as mqashiyo (‘indestructible defeat’). As an …

Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini (nicknamed “the Lion of Soweto”) found international interest via the 1985 sampler The Indestructible Defeat of Soweto. He begun to tour internationally with feminine performers the Mahotella Queens, although he continues to be playing and performing his make of mbaqanga (Zulu pop music, seriously inspired by traditional …