The Beam Brothers Legacy

While receiving adequate airplay, especially on the original vernacular defunct radio Bantu and lately on radio Zulu, before it eventually became Ukhozi FM. The band was formed five years before it (Ukhozi FM) was officially launched in 1960.

As a young boy of 18 years old, Malusi Gwala joined the group of elders in 1981, to him it did not click that he was the one who was going to initiate the same group's revival as a lead singer and composer.

Malusi, as inspirational as he was, gradually developed more than a "band mate bond" with the late leader and founder Mr. Robson 'Zagilazeboza' Bhengu as he was affectionately known to his peers. Before he passed on away in October 1996, Bhengu advised Malusi to never let the band's legacy disappear.

This is what came to be reality, after the bond between the two friends evolved from sharing the normal stage partnership to the band's co-leadership, singing and song composition. This made it obvious that young Malusi was to be the heir to the throne one day. It is a fact that Malusi is the only surviving member of the original band and is still proceeding with a unique, melodious, traditional classic touch.

Malusi had proved beyond his detractors that he has more than an instinctive sense in musical ability, but also the undisputed leadership skills to lead this legendary band to greater heights.

The band maintained its original all-male household brand until lately when they called the hugely talented Nondumiso Ngema, who added her feminine, angelic voice, which blends wonderfully with their style. Nondumiso had a stint with the famous local gospel outfit Joyous Celebration, now on their 17th tour and recorded CD/DVD.

Amongst other things that are first in the band's priorities, is to revive the spirit of African humanity and simple humanity, Batho Pele, among the community of South Africa, especially in KZN, which is home to all the band members.

This was also enshrined in the band's life span dated over sixty years, which the society of today, especially the youth, can learn a lot from the band's individual member's teachings, in terms of music and life skills as true musical masters.