By Paul Nyathi

Legendary South African musical group The Soul Brothers have yet again lost one of their long serving members.

Long time saxophonist, composer and dancer Lemmy “The Special One” Mabaso died in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon after a short illness at the age of 69.

The group announced Mabaso’s death in their official Facebook page and website on Sunday evening.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We lament to announce to you the sad passing of Lemmy “Special” Mabaso,” said the group’s information office.

“Lemmy joined us in March 1979 after the tragedy that took Mpompi Sosibo and Tuza Mthethwa. He came in the fill up Mpompi’s space,” said the band.

Mabaso was born on 15 April 1949. He started his music career when he formed a band called “Alexandra Junior Bright Boys” with his brothers at a very early age.

In March 1979 he joined the Soul Brothers and his first recording with them was the album “Deliwe” which was a tribute to the late Tuza and Mpompi.

The Soul Brothers only surviving founding member “Black” Moses Ngwenya said the band will always remember Mabaso as a great musician.

“We will always remember him as a brilliant musician, a penny whistle star, a saxophonist, a dancer and a composer of merit,” he said.