Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds

Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds was a South African vocal group formed by Solomon Linda in 1933. The band is known internationally for their song "Mbube" released in 1939, which is the origin of the pop song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".^[1] During their activity, they often took part in singing competitions, in which they were unbeatable, according to historian Veit Erlmann.^[2] The group disbanded in 1948.^[2]: 68 They are the pioneers of the musical genres Mbube and Isicathamiya.^[3]

Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds
Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds, ca. 1941. From l to r: Solomon Linda, Gilbert Madondo, Boy Sibiya, Gideon Mkhize, Samuel Mlangeni, Owen Sikhakhane
Background information
Origin	Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres	Mbube, isicathamiya
Years active	1933–1948
Labels	Gallo Record Company
Past members	Solomon Linda Gilbert Madondo Boy Sibiya Gideon Mkhize Samuel Mlangeni Owen Sikhakhane

Partial discography

• 1938: Makasani/Mfo Ka Linda
• 1938: Ngqo Ngqongo Vula/Ngi Boni Sebeni
• 1939: Ntombi Ngangiyeshela (recorded c. 1938)/Hamba Pepa Lami
• 1939: Yetulisigqoko
• 1939: Mbube/Ngi Hambile (recorded c. 1938)
• 1939: Sangena Mama/Sohlangana
• 1939: Sengiyofela Pesheya/Ziyekele Mama
• 1940: Jerusalema (recorded c. 1940)/Basibizalonkizwe
• 1940: Sigonde 'Mnambiti (recorded c. 1939)/Bhamporo
• 1942: Ngazula Emagumeni (recorded c. 1941)/Gijima Mfana
• 1942: Ndaba Zika Linda/Ngiyomutshel'Ubaba
• 1944: Savumelana (recorded c. 1940)