Nathan Dambuza Mdledle

Born

1923-04-23

Died

1995-05-17

Biography

Nathan "Dambuzza" Mdledle or Nathan Mdledle played a major role in the evolution of South Africa's music. As the leader of the Manhattan Brothers, Mdledle dominated South Africa's music charts of the late '40s and '50s. Together with the group, he appeared regularly on South African television. In 1958, he appeared in Todd Matshikiza's musical, King Kong, in the leading role of the black African boxer Ezekiel "King Kong" Dlemani. The show, which also featured the other members of The Manhattan Brothers, successfully toured South Africa and was staged in London in 1961. A change in the South African government's approach to apartheid while he was in England prevented Mdledle from returning to his homeland. He continued to perform with The Manhattan Brothers until his death on May 17, 1995.