The Manhattan Brothers was a popular South African singing group in the 194… Read Full Bio ↴The Manhattan Brothers was a popular South African singing group in the 1940s and 1950s, during the Apartheid Era. Their sound drew on American ragtime, jive, swing, doo-wop, and several other jazz strains, as well as African choral and Zulu harmonies. Members of the group included Joe Mogotsi, Ronnie Sehume, Rufus Khoza, the late Nathan Mdledle, and Miriam Makeba. Makeba, who went on to international fame, started her career with The Manhattan Brothers and was part of the group for much of the 1950s. The group has one US Billboard pop chart hit, "Lovely Lies", which peaked at #45 in March 1956.
Joe Mogotsi died on 19 May 2011 in Johannesburg, following a long illness.

During the late 90s a young group of talented rural Afro Jazz musicians from around Ladysmith, Kwa Zulu Natal, with the approval of Miriam Makeba and Joe Mogotsi,and Derrik Torrini formed a tribute band aptly titled Junior Manhattan Brothers. This group of young stars were also gaining notoriety as they continued the civil rights activism begun by their predecessors.
Lead by well respected Afro Jazz local legend Nkosinathi (Nathi) Hadebe, the group consisted at various times, of 4 to 6 'vibrant and awesomely talented' members, including Vusumuzi (Vusi) Madondo, Lindokuhle (Ndo) Makathini, Fanizile (Jeffrey) Nzuza, Bongani Mabaso, Lungisani Mhlongo, Thabo Motsamai - and following the passing of two founding members, reformed in 2012 to 'take a stand' in memory of their mentors and beloved former members bringing in new members to compliment the existing lineup.
Blending traditional, gospel, Afro Jazz, jive, doo-wop, swing ragtime and any other musical genre they could incorporate, with or without musical accompaniment they are able to collectively bring the house down in seconds. The JMB were also instrumental in the artistic and musical aspects of the local movie starring Taye Diggs, DRUM.
Contractual restrictions were cited as being a constant barrier between the JMB and worldwide success, with extensive interest from promoters in the US and Australia.
In between JMB performances and their collective years with Soweto Gospel Choir/Iphi Ntombi, the JMB performed for, and with, the remaining members of the original Manhattan Brothers outfit http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2010/11/24/acclaimed-artists-set-for-soweto-gig, and just prior to the passing of Joe Mogotsi, the JMB were hallmarked for greatness and international acclaim. Nathi began his memoirs just prior to his death and a biography and biopic are planned in the near future.

Marie
The Manhattan Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Buya Marie (Marie yey yey)
Ilanga liyoshona (Seliyoshona)
Lofik'ilanga lojikela
Iinyembezi zophalala (Xa ndikubonayo)
Wondikhumbula (La la la)
Nalothando (Nalothando lwakho)
Lwakho Marie (Yah yah yah kunjalo)

Ntombi (Noba sendinje)
Noba sendinjenje (Ndinjena nje)
Ilanga lam (Lofik'i ilanga, lofik'ilanga)
Lofika (Noba sendindedwa nje)
Wondikhumbula mna (Thatha zilahlela)
Tib tib
Oh Bad Marie (Thili lili li khuluma)
Phila mfana (Thili lili li khuluma)
Le

Marie (Ta do da do de)
Marie (Ta do da do de)
Marie (Ta do da do de)

Ntombi ilanga liyoshona
Zophalal'iinyembezi
Zundikhumbule
Mna ntombi ndingowakho

Noko neenkanyezi zezulu
Ziyayaz'inyaniso
Ukuthi wen'ungowam
Ngowam, ngowam

Ta do le do le do le
Hmmm

Overall Meaning

The Manhattan Brothers' song "Marie" appears to be a love letter to a lost love. The first verse of the song describes the setting: the sun is setting and the tears are flowing. Despite the sadness, the singer remembers Marie fondly. In the second verse, he addresses a woman called "Ntombi." He tells her that he is alone and that he remembers Marie. He speaks of "Bad Marie" and then asks Ntombi to "live, boy."

Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and a deep love for Marie. Despite the upbeat melody, there is a melancholy tone that strikes a chord with the listener. The repetition of Marie's name throughout the song becomes almost like a chant, emphasizing the depth of the singer's feelings.

Overall, "Marie" is a beautiful song that explores the complexities of love and loss. The poignant lyrics and catchy melody make it a classic that has stood the test of time.

Line by Line Meaning

Buya Marie (Marie yey yey)
Come back, Marie

Ilanga liyoshona (Seliyoshona)
The sun is setting

Lofik'ilanga lojikela
The sun is watching over us

Iinyembezi zophalala (Xa ndikubonayo)
Tears are flowing (when I see you)

Wondikhumbula (La la la)
I remember you

Nalothando (Nalothando lwakho)
With love (with your love)

Lwakho Marie (Yah yah yah kunjalo)
Yours, Marie (yes, like that)

Ntombi (Noba sendinje)
Girl (even if I'm alone)

Noba sendinjenje (Ndinjena nje)
Even if I'm alone

Ilanga lam (Lofik'i ilanga, lofik'ilanga)
My sun (the sun is watching over us)

Lofika (Noba sendindedwa nje)
Arrives (even if I'm all alone)