Aces High CD - Import

As if they know it for a fact, fans of this world-renowned band always comment that when Black Moses, as Moses Ngwenya is affectionately referred to by his contemporaries in the music circles, tinkles his organ it is as if music flows from his veins. It's like music takes control of him, they further say. For Moses he's been a musician all his life. At age 14 he was already in a band that was a common feature at weddings and other social events in his home of Dube and neighbouring Soweto townships.

Those who couldn't get their hands on Black Moses's solo album released over a year ago, have every reason to sigh with relief now that his re-launching M9. This album comes in the heels of similar compilations by the same artist. The album was produced by Moses Dlamini who has also produced a number of albums for the Soul Brothers. M9 is a dance album fused with mbaqanga, weddings songs, gospel music and the music is accompanied by an organ. The music is mostly laidback and is rooted in traditional African rhythms. The album features songs such as Don't Slow Down, Sweet Memories, and the latter pays homage to Rex Rabanye. Another song that pays homage to his idol is Second Time Around and is dedicated to Sankie Chaunyane. Rex Rabanye and Sankie Tsounyane are Moses's biggest influence to come out of the 70s. And his elder brothers had a band which he joined at an early age. The band was aptly titled Crocodile Brothers whose members included Amos (lead guitarist), Khehla (rhythm guitarist) and Dingane (drummer). While the band had earned some respect in the township, it was the young Moses who recorded a solo project simply titled Black Moses, featuring Vusi Khumalo on drums. Following his debut release, Moses's name was on many a musician's lips and they wanted to engage his services. But Moses was reluctant to join another band, preferring to play with his siblings. This was until the untimely death of their mother, and the going got tough. And coming from a big family, the young muso was compelled to earn a living through what he knew best - playing music. He started doing session work and he worked alongside guitar maestro Masike Funky Mohapi.

And his second professional gig was as a session drummer for the then popular 70's girlie group Izintombi Zesimanjemanje. It was around 1975 when his elder brother's friend, who worked next to the old Gallo Recording company down in Kerk Str, Johannesburg told his friend that the recording company was looking for session keyboardist to play with a mbaqanga band.