They have given us joy, love and happiness.
Even on lonely nights, their soothing sounds made it all okay.
As for Sundays, ubuhle of a black sister took their breath away.
From Inkomo Zase Buhlanti and Sedilaka, which was a rendition of a hymn in 2011 to being Inkwenkwezi that shine bright in the dark in 2013, The Soil took everyone who cared to listen on a journey of different emotions for different occasions.
In their 2014 compilation of nostalgic moments, we got Susan who was called back home because she was missed and Hamba Uyosebenza with the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo which called out everyone to wake up in the morning and work hard.
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By the time they gave us Echoes of Kofifi in 2016, the acapella group had become a household name and won multiple awards.
Not only did Buhlebendalo Mda, Ntsika ‘Fana-tastic’ Ngxanga and Luphindo ‘Master P’ Ngxanga give acapella a new face in the South African music industry, but they built a family of music lovers from when they were in high school.
Even though they have not released any music for six years amid their temporary hiatus to explore solo careers, their fans came out in their large numbers to support them at concerts and music festivals.
Just as many did not see their reunion performance with Samthing Soweto, who started out with them coming in 2022, the announcement of Buhle’s departure caught many by surprise.
This announcement comes as supporters anticipate another album from the group.
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In a statement released on Thursday, 7 September 2023, Theo Matshoba was introduced as the third member of The Soil, replacing Buhle as she shifts her full focus to her solo career and publishing company.
Theo came at the top of the crop when the Ngxanga brothers searched for a female vocalist to fill Buhle’s space during her spiritual sabbatical.
“I grew up as the child of The Soil. I have graced local and international stages and performed at some of the biggest festivals, in front of huge audiences, here and abroad. I can never replace the time that I had with the group, but it’s time to grow and face this cut-throat industry on my own. I know I can do it.”
Buhle has also opened up an artist hub which caters for women, children and queer people.
“The Soil without Buhle is not going to be the same. We grew up in this group together, but we support her and wish her all the best in her new endeavour,” says the Ngxange brothers.
In the same breath, the Luphindo and Ntsika add that they’re excited to have Theo’s rare gift bring the group’s creative ethos alive.
“It’s a new chapter that we are now writing, and we hope the script will read beautifully. I have had the pleasure of working with Buhle for over a decade now. She is a towering figure, with such talent that always reveals itself on stage. I know she will be successful as she embarks on her new venture,” says Native Rhythms boss, Velile Sithole.
In the next two weeks, the group will be dropping a single from their new studio album and making Theo’s dream of joining the band which she manifested 11 years ago come true.
