Italian immigrant
Eric Gallo owned what at that time was sub-Saharan Africa's only recording studio. In 1939, while recording a number of songs in the studio, Linda improvised the song "Mbube" (Lion).
[4] "Mbube" was a major success for Linda and the Evening Birds, reportedly selling more than 100,000 copies in
South Africa by 1949. The recording was produced by Motsieloa at the Gallo Recording Studios, in Johannesburg. Unconsciously,
[9] Linda sold the rights to Gallo Record Company for 10 shillings (less than US$2) soon after the recording was made. However, it is alleged that, by British laws then in effect, those rights should have reverted to Linda's heirs 25 years after his death in 1962.
[2][6]