The Brother Moves On

The Brother Moves On (TBMO) is a South African performance art and music collective based in Johannesburg, widely recognized for their innovative fusion of genres and their role in the lineage of South African protest music. Founded between 2008 and 2010 by Nkululeko Mthembu, the group began as an art movement primarily involving graphic and fine artists before evolving into a full-fledged band that incorporates instrumentalists and performance art into their live shows.

Musical Style and Artistic Approach

TBMO’s sound is described as a “tradition-trouncing trans-Atlantic Afro-centric futuristically ancient fusion” that traverses genres such as spectral dub-metal, hyper-rhythmic rock psychedelia, indie-township, and astro-afro-free-jazz. Their work is deeply influenced by the multi-genre, multimedia aesthetic of Sun Ra, and they reimagine hip-hop’s foundational elements (MCing, DJing, B-boying, graffiti) within a conceptual performance art framework that addresses historical, political, and sociological themes.

Formation and Evolution

• Founding: The group was founded by Nkululeko Mthembu, with the name “The Brother Moves On” being a play on “The Brother Mouzone,” a character from the TV series The Wire. The name also reflects the collective’s philosophy that each member is an impermanent part of an ongoing process.
• Early Years: Initially, TBMO was more of an art movement than a band, focusing on visual and performance art before integrating musicians for live performances.
• Current Lineup: The band’s core members include:
  • Siyabonga Mthembu (lead vocalist, storyteller, performance artist)
  • Nkululeko Mthembu (costuming, performance artist, visuals)
  • Zelizwe Mthembu (vocalist, guitarist, flautist)
  • Ayanda Zalekile (vocalist, bassist, multi-instrumentalist)
  • Simphiwe Tshabalala (vocalist, drummer)
  • Raytheon Moorvan (vocalist, guitarist, synthesizer)

• Expanded Lineup: For larger performances, the band adds a horn section featuring Mthunzi Mvubu (alto sax, flute), Muhammad Dawjee (tenor sax), and Malcolm Jiyane (trombone).

Discography and Notable Projects

• Albums:
  • Tolika Mtoliki (2022): A retrospective of the South African jazz tradition, featuring collaborations with Bokani Dyer, Muhammad Dawjee, and Mthunzi Mvubu.
  • S/he Who Feeds You… (2022): Their sophomore album, released on a UK boutique label.

• Compilations:
  • Featured on the acclaimed Indaba Is compilation (Brownswood Recordings, 2021), contributing the track “Umthandazo Wamagenge” with Thandi Ntuli.
• Collaborations: The band has worked with prominent artists such as Shabaka Hutchings, Thandi Ntuli, and others, further cementing their reputation in the global jazz and experimental music scenes.

Performance and Influence

• Live Shows: TBMO is known for their dynamic and immersive live performances, which blend music, storytelling, costuming, and visual art. Their shows often address themes of protest, social justice, and South African history.
• International Presence: The group has performed internationally, including notable appearances in London, where they collaborated with musicians like Tom Herbert, Chelsea Carmichael, and Shabaka Hutchings.
• Critical Acclaim: They are regarded as “the most important band in the country” by South African media and are seen as torchbearers of the country’s protest music tradition.

Legacy and Impact

The Brother Moves On stands out for their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and for their role in revitalizing and recontextualizing South African protest music for new generations. Their work is both a tribute to the country’s rich musical heritage and a forward-looking exploration of new artistic possibilities.

Online Presence

• Website: thebrothermoveson.com
• Social Media: Active on Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud.

Summary Table

| Aspect | Details ||-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa || Founded | 2008–2010 || Founders | Nkululeko Mthembu, Siyabonga Mthembu || Core Members | Siyabonga Mthembu, Nkululeko Mthembu, Zelizwe Mthembu, Ayanda Zalekile, Simphiwe Tshabalala, Raytheon Moorvan || Style | Afro-centric fusion, jazz, psychedelia, performance art || Notable Albums | Tolika Mtoliki (2022), S/he Who Feeds You… (2022) || Key Collaborators | Shabaka Hutchings, Thandi Ntuli, Bokani Dyer, Mthunzi Mvubu || Reputation | Leading South African protest music collective || Online | thebrothermoveson.com, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud |

The Brother Moves On continues to be a vital force in South African and global music, celebrated for their genre-defying sound, powerful performances, and commitment to social commentary.

Sources

• https://jazzviews.net/the-brother-moves-on-he-who-feeds-youowns-you/
• https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2022/06/the-brother-moves-on-interview-new-album-tolika-mtoliki.html
• https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/brother-moves
• https://nativerebelrecordings.co.uk/artists/the-brother-moves-on/
• https://futuremusicza.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/the-brother-moves-on/