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The Making and Breaking of the Intellectual Tsotsi: A Long Tail Biography

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In the annals of South African music, few figures loom as large as Solomon Linda. As the composer of the global hit song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," Linda's music has touched the lives of millions around the world. However, behind the catchy melody and uplifting lyrics lies a complex and often tragic story.

Can Themba: The Making and Breaking of the Intellectual Tsotsi, a Biography

by Siphiwo Mahala

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11135 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	263 pages

Early Life and Influences

Solomon Linda was born in Mbube, South Africa, in 1909. His father was a migrant worker, and his mother worked as a domestic servant. Linda grew up in poverty, but he showed an early talent for music. He began singing and playing guitar as a child, and by his early teens, he was performing at local events.

Linda's music was influenced by a variety of sources, including traditional Zulu music, American gospel, and popular swing music. He developed a unique style that blended these elements into a new and exciting sound. In 1939, Linda joined the Zulu vocal group the Evening Birds, and it was with this group that he wrote and recorded "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was an instant hit in South Africa. Its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics resonated with people of all races and backgrounds. The song was soon picked up by international record labels, and it became a global hit in the 1950s.

However, Linda never received proper credit or compensation for his song. The copyright was sold to a music publisher without his knowledge or consent, and he was paid a pittance for his work. As a result, Linda lived in poverty for most of his life.

Challenges of Apartheid

Linda's life was also marked by the challenges of apartheid. As a black musician in South Africa, he faced discrimination and segregation at every turn. He was not allowed to perform in white venues, and his music was often banned from the airwaves.

Despite these challenges, Linda continued to make music. He recorded dozens of songs, and he toured extensively throughout Africa and Europe. He became a symbol of the struggle against apartheid, and his music inspired a generation of activists.

Legal Battles and Legacy

In the 1990s, Linda's family launched a legal battle to reclaim the copyright of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." After a long and complex legal process, the family was finally awarded a share of the song's royalties.

However, Linda's legacy is more than just a legal victory. He is remembered as one of the most influential musicians in South African history. His music has been covered by hundreds of artists around the world, and it continues to inspire and uplift people to this day.

Solomon Linda's life was a tale of both triumph and tragedy. He was a gifted musician who created one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. However, he was also a victim of apartheid, and he never received the full recognition or compensation he deserved.

Despite these challenges, Linda's music has endured. It is a testament to his talent and his spirit. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song that has touched the lives of millions around the world, and it will continue to be sung and enjoyed for generations to come.

Can Themba: The Making and Breaking of the Intellectual Tsotsi, a Biography

by Siphiwo Mahala

4 out of 5