MindMap-SA Issue 7

FeatureThe Soil is a musical outfit also stemsfrom that ilk. As a collective theysays that their everyday experienceshave been the source of inspiration formany of their songs. The teachings thatthey have received from their eldersas well as lessons they learn frompeople that they meet have inspiredan array of music with topics that aremainly about love. This is love whichthey express for each other as theyhave a song entitled We Are Familywhich talks about them as a group andthe kind of dynamics they have whenthey work together. There is also loveexpressed for God who they describe asbeing the fourth member of the group.The group is comprised of twoother members apart from Ntsika,Buhlebendalo Mda, the only female inthe group whose voice is reminiscentof the 1950’s Sophiatown movementwhich bred stars like Dolly Rathebeand Miriam Makeba. Her smooth vocalreach is primarily based on annunciationrather than melodic flow. LuphindoNgxanga rounds up the trio and apartfrom being a vocalist is also a beat boxerproviding an offbeat in and out elementto the groups musical repertoire.According to the group the formationof the band was unexpected. It beganas a jam session after school that tookplace in the classroom while theycleaned as part of their daily roster.As a musical outfit they have comea long way since then, they begantaking their project seriously in 2008where they started to meet duringtheir holidays and work on material.Ntsika says, “We didn’t form The Soil,we didn’t plan it. It just happened”.The soil are a band that has become known for their intimatelive perfomances as well as emphasis on strong song writing.Soweto is the place where they all grewup. Their experience of township life hashelped them carve an identity as artistsThe Soil strives to fuse their voices to deliver melodic and harmonious messages that are aimed at upliftingand healing souls all around the world. . The group’s musical style is evident in its rhythmic vocal bassline, with constant beat boxing - a distinct feature in the music - whilst the remaining voices contribute tothe choral and polyphonic accompaniment“The soil as matter has two characteristics that relate to our music.It is very raw and basic”. These are the words of Ntsika Ngxanga,one of the members of The Soil, an acapella group hailingfrom Soweto, an area which is rich in culture, music andpersonalities. It is also a place that has a long history associatedwith the struggle for freedom in our country. Many of our country’s greatestmusicians, poets, actors and politicians have been birthed in this place.that are unique and deeply entrenchedin their beautiful experiences. Buhlesays, “We’re inspired by a lot ofthings, especially love that comesfrom above, from God and thingsthat happen in our community, theteachings we get from the people inour lives, our parents, to people wemeet on our trips. The love we get frompeople is what also inspires us too”.