The Soil (band)

The Soil is a South African a cappella group from Soweto founded in 2003, consisting of the lead singer Ntsika Ngxanga, beatboxer Luphindo, and vocalist Theo Matshoba.[1][2][3]

This article is about the South African a capella group. For their self-titled album, see The Soil (album).

The Soil
The Soil performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
The Soil performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
Background information
OriginSoweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
GenresKasi soul, a cappella
Years active2003–present
LabelsSony Music Entertainment Africa, Native Rhythms
MembersLuphindo Ngxanga
Ntsika Ngxanga
Theo Matshoba
Past membersSamthing Soweto
Buhlebendalo Mda

The band eponymous debut LP The Soil (2011), which became certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

History

2003-2010: Formation

Its inception came about in 2003 when all the members met in Tikelo Secondary School during jam sessions.[4][5] Back then the group was known as 'Particles of the Soil' and consisted of more than 4 members.[6] As years passed, some members departed due to other engagements. In 2010, the group was down to four members: Buhlebendalo Mda (vocalist), Ntsika Ngxanga (main composer and vocalist), Luphindo (beatboxer and vocalist) & Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, commonly known by his stage name, Samthing Soweto. Mdolomba was involved during the recording process of the group's first album, however, due to contractual disputes and creative differences, Samkelo decided to leave and form the contemporary jazz group The Fridge where he served as the lead vocalist.

2010-2017: The Soil, Reflections: (Live In Joburg) , Nostalgic Moments, Echoes of Kofifi

In 2011, The Soil released their self-titled debut LP The Soil which achieved platinum status, selling over 50,000 copies. On October 7, 2013, their debut live album Reflections: (Live In Joburg) was released and won Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album at 2014 South African Music Awards. Their second album Nostalgic Moments was released digitally on iTunes on 15 September 2014.[7] It was made available for hard copy purchase on 22 September 2014. Nostalgic Moments received positive review from music critics.[8] The album includes guest appearances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo[9] and hip hop artist Khuli Chana. At the 14th ceremony of Metro FM Awards, the band won Best Produced Album (Nostalgic Moments) and Best Duo/Group.[10] In 2015, the band was nominated for Best International Act: Africa at BET Awards 2015.

On October 21, 2016, their third studio album titled Echoes of Kofifi was released in South Africa and met positive review from music critics.[11] The album was nominated at South African Music Awards in the Best Engineered Album, Best duo/group of the Year and Best Afro-pop Album categories. The band further promoted album with Nostalgic Moments Tour in July 2014 at Emalahleni.[12]

In June 2020, the band made their decision to take an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo projects.[13]

2021-present: Upcoming album, concert tour

In November 2021, the band was reportedly working on an album.[14]

The band embarked on A Decade With The Soil Tour on December 3, the tour included two dates that ran through December 2021.

In early September 2023, band vocalist Buhlebendalo Mda was reportedly left the group, replaced by Theo Matshoba.[3]

Members

The Soil currently consists of four members: Buhlebendalo "Soil Sister" Mda, Ntsika "Fana-tastic" Ngxanga, Luphindo "Master P" Ngxanga and Theo "Songstress" Matshoba. Theo joined the group in February 2016 as an occasional replacement for Buhlebendalo Mda.[15] Ntsika and Luphindo are biological brothers. During interviews, The Soil usually refers to God as the first member of the group.[16]

Musical style and influence

The Soil musical style has mainly been described as Jazz, Hip hop, Afro-pop, and Afro-soul.[17]

The band cited Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo, Brenda Fassie, and Simphiwe Dana as their music influence.[17]

Discography
  • The Soil (2011)[18]
  • Nostalgic Moments (2014)[19]
  • Echoes of Kofifi (2016)[20]

Awards and nominations

Metro FM Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2015 Nostalgic Moments Best Produced Album Won [10]
Best Duo/Group Won

South African Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 Reflections Live In Joburg Best RnB, Soul and Reggae[21] Won

References
  1. Nal'Bali (8 October 2012). "Celebrating our storytelling roots with The Soil". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  2. Socialite. "Top SA Bands to Open for Bastille". The Socialite. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  3. "'We had a good run': Buhlebendalo bids farewell to The Soil, passing the torch to Theo Matshoba | Life". News24. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  4. Hunter, Leigh-Anne (1 December 2015). "Music: Soil survival". Times LIVE. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  5. "The Soil have reached gold status for their debut album: Q&A | Drum". South Africa: Drum. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  6. Nobhongo Gxolo (5 September 2019). "Rooted In The Belly". Mahala. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  7. Par (9 December 2015). "The Soil – 'Nostalgic Moments' | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  8. Denselow, Robin (23 July 2015). "The Soil: Nostalgic Moments review – township vocal styles meet jazz, hip-hop and beatboxing | Pop and rock | The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  9. "The Soil brings new wave of South African acapella". TIMES LIVE. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
  10. Plaatjie, Poliswa (2 March 2015). "Metro honours The Soil with two major awards". DispatchLIVE. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  11. "ALBUM OF THE WEEK: The Soil reminds us of rich culture of Sophiatown with 'Echoes of Kofifi' [REVIEW] | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. 28 November 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  12. "The Soil set to bring Nostalgic Moments Tour to The Ridge | Witbank News". South Africa: Witbank News. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  13. Kgobotlo, Boitumelo (8 June 2020). "The Soil taking a break to focus on solo careers - Sunday World". Sunday World. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  14. "The Soil reunites for a new album". Sundayworld. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  15. yomzansi (22 February 2016). "The Soil announces their new female vocalist | YOMZANSI". www.yomzansi.com. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  16. Nal’ibali (8 October 2012). "Celebrating our storytelling roots with The Soil". Sowetan. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  17. "The Soil: Kasi soul takes root - The Mail & Guardian". The Mail & Guardian. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  18. "iTunes - Music - The Soil by The Soil". iTunes. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  19. "iTunes - Music - Nostalgic Moments by The Soil". iTunes. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  20. "Echoes of kofifi". itunes. 21 October 2016.
  21. "Here are all the 2014 Sama winners | Channel". News24. 28 April 2014.
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