The Brother Moves On

The Brother Moves On (TBMO) is a Johannesburg-based performance art collective and band founded between 2008 and 2010 by brothers Nkululeko and Siyabonga Mthembu. Emerging from the East Rand's Kempton Park and Tembisa areas, they began as a DIY collective blending music, visual art, and performance. Their name is a playful mishearing of "Brother Mouzone," a character from The Wire, reflecting their ethos of impermanence and collective creativity.TBMO's sound is a fusion of Afrocentric futurism, blending elements like dub-metal, rock psychedelia, and free jazz. Their debut EP, The Golden Wake (2009), tells the story of a villager named Mr. Gold, exploring themes of value and identity. The EP was re-released in 2015 with additional tracks, marking their transition from a band to a broader art collective . Their subsequent works include ETA (2012), reflecting on South Africa's socio-political landscape, and A New Myth (2013), released on the day Nelson Mandela passed away. The latter album was lauded as one of the most significant South African releases of the year by Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine. In 2021, TBMO released Tolika Mtoliki, an album paying homage to South Africa's jazz heritage, featuring collaborations with artists like Bokani Dyer and Muhammad Dawjee, Mthunzi Mvubu and Ariel Zamonsky . Their 2022 album, $/He Who Feeds You...Owns You, , received critical acclaim for its depth and innovation. TBMO is notable for their interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with visual artists and institutions. They were the first band to be signed as performance artists by South Africa's Goodman Gallery, showcasing their work in exhibitions like "The Brother Breaks the Bullion" at the Goethe On Main Project Space and "The Brother Burns the Bullion" at the Johannesburg Art Week.
Their live performances are renowned for their energy and creativity, leading to international tours in Europe, the UK, and the USA. They've shared stages with artists such as William Kentridge, Saul Williams, and Hugh Masekela, and have been featured in major media outlets including CNN and The Guardian
TBMO continues to be a significant force in South African music and performance art, blending political commentary with artistic expression. Their work challenges traditional boundaries, making them a vital part of the country's cultural landscape.