Singing Sensations
The Manhattan Brothers were a South African Jazz singing group popular for their African Jive sounds during the 1950’s. The members were the late Joe Mogotsi, Ronnie Sehume, Rufus Khoza, the late Nathan Mdledle, plus the late singing sensation Miriam Makeba.
Makeba started her career with this group before becoming internationally famous. The Manhattan Brothers’ music was a mix of American ragtime, jive, jazz swing and traditional African choral notes. The band had a hit song called ‘Lovely Lies’, that peaked at number 45 on the US Billboard pop chart. Various jazz legends performed with the group over the years, including the likes of Kippie Moeketsi and Hugh Masekela.