Respected bass guitarist Sicelo Ndlela (65) has passed away. This comes a week after the death of legendary musician and playwright Mbongeni Ngema, his bandmate. Ndlela, who played the bass guitar on the classic hit Stimela Sase Zola, died this morning. Ndlela has been a member of multi multi-award-winning Mbhaqanga group, Soul Brothers for the past 41 years.

In a statement released by Soul Brothers, they said: "It is with sore hearts that we announce the untimely passing of one of our longstanding bass players, Sicelo Ndlela at age 65, after not being well for some time. Sicelo, a protege of Zenzele Mchunu, joined our band in 1983 with his childhood friend Skhumboso Mabaso, who played lead during our recording of the album, Isicelo. Following the passing of Zenzele Mchunu in 1984, he took over and played bass for all the albums until now." Ndlela is the co-founder of the popular mbhaqanga-cum-maskandi outfit, Imitshotshovu. The group was formed in 1985 with maskandi giant, Bheki Ngcobo, popularly known as Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Bongani Nxele, Sikhumbhuzo Mabaso and Japan Sidoyi. The group, which toured many overseas and African countries alongside Soul Brothers, recorded over 15 albums together. They then rebranded themselves and were called Impumelelo, following the passing of the other group members.

Ndlela played the bass guitar for many musicians in other genres as a session musician. "The arrival of Sicelo, 41 years ago gave the Soul Brothers a unique flavour that became a signature for the group. He played bass for many of our hits such as Bazobuya, Isigebengu, Uvalo, Ukhetha Bani, Ngidlala Ukuhlupheka, Isithothobala, Isigilamkhuba, Hluphekile, and Mbongeni Ngema's timeless hit, Stimela Sase Zola.

It is an indisputable fact that he left an indelible mark in the music industry, particularly the mbhaqanga fraternity. Uyibekile induku ebandla. He has run his race, he is knocking on heaven's door. May his soul rest in peace," the statement read. Soul Brothers were formed by organist and piano player Black Moses Ngwenya, together with the late lead singer David Masondo, Tuza Mthethwa, Zenzele Mchunu and American Zulu.

Meanwhile, Mbongeni Ngema, 68, who died in a car crash last week in the Eastern Cape, will be laid to rest tomorrow in KwaZulu-Natal. The KZN Provincial Government has afforded Ngema a special provincial official funeral category 2. Ngema, born on June 1, 1955, in Verulam, north of Durban, produced and directed plays, including the award-winning Sarafina!, Woza Albert! and Asinamali, among others.