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Johannesburg-based soul brothers, musicians The Brother Moves On asked if I’d dig to hang out for a day shortly before departing for their European tour.
The tour is called Oorkant 2016 and it’s taken them to three countries so far, beginning in Germany where they performed at Berliner Festspiele; to France where they got to kick it with Saul Williams before mashing up the Festival MIMI stage; and to the UK where they’ve already performed a few dates, and shall be doing more.
The day started in earnest, at 5.30am, with an interview at Gauteng regional station Power FM. Siya Mthembu, vocalist, took us to his spot afterwards. Itai Hakim, vocalist and guitarist, was also on deck to add his cool vibration to the righteous day.
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The following images track the journey from the VISA pick-up mission in Centurion, a suburb just outside of Tshwane, to a shopping expedition to the Puma shop in Braam, and to the live show later, at a venue called The Good Luck Bar. It was a vibe!
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Bassist Ayanda Zalekile and drummer Simphiwe Tshabalala kick it over coffee and smokes outside the VISA office.
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On the highway back to Joburg for more missions. Inside the car: last-minute calls to sort out printing of flyers and Instagram account updates.
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Siya and Itai in Braamfontein.
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Ayanda waiting for the cats to get done with picking up gear for the performance later that night.
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Those are Siya's golden boots. You haven't lived if you haven't heard of the legend of Mr. Gold. Have your life!
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The Brother Moves on needed additional funds for this tour because adequate subsidy of the arts is still a far-fetched concept for governments everywhere. That's Saki from Johnny Cradle, one of the bands who were on the bill to raise extra cents for The Brother, and for Bye Beneco who are also currently on their European tour.
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Johnny Cradle can be anyone. Currently, represented by Tebogo Mosane on drums and
Sakumzi Qumana on vocals and Moog and additional programming. Chris Lombard completes the trio on guitars.
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The Brother Moves On sound checking.
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The Brother Moves On make great music and put on a good show. Greater, though, are the reactions on people's faces when the rhythms hit 'em.
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The Brother's train's in full steam. Everyone's in tow; from the main deck to the sidelines. We pay attention, and shout and scream where we we feel like so doing. That’s Zweli Mthembu on the extreme left; then Siya Mthembu donning the ANC t-shirt with president Jacob Zuma's face printed on it (it reads 'together we move South Africa forward' at the back, and has a 'Vote ANC' footer); Simz is on drums, Ayanda's on bass, and Itai Hakim - when he's not spitting the sickest slam poetry over drums which spell impending doom - is on back-up vocals and acoustic guitar.
