MindMap-SA Issue 7

Their humility is particularly striking.Often people do not expect this typeof an attitude from a group whoseachievements include performing withheavyweights in the Newtown Joy ofJazz festival, dozens of TV appearancesas well as scooping several awards atthe Grahamstown National Arts Festivalas they had done in the previous year.After this they were informed that theirsong was included as part of a soundtrackfor an international movie starring HalleBerry called Dark Tide which wasreleased this year. They have also beenasked to create an original score forMy Perfect Family a family sitcom onSABC 1 which they described as havingbeen, “A very beautiful challenge”.As a South African acapella groupthey have found a niche in terms of themusic in this country. They explain that“Kasi Soul” is the way in which theytry and sum up their unusual musicalsynthesis which has been referred toas being crossover music. It appealsto all age categories and most racesbecause of it’s an assuming acoustic feel.Being a part of a group that has traveledso extensively has also lead to severalmemorable moments for the trio. Philarecalls an incident where they were ata radio interview. He remembers thatthere was a middle aged Indian manwho called in to say how much heappreciated their music. A few momentslater a child called in with the assistanceof their mother who also expressedtheir love for the family of The Soil.Their recent performances in Durbanwowed crowds in the city and includeda more intimate live show at HowardTheir self-titled album is a culmination of years of dedication, hardwork and a passion for the art. Having paid their dues as a performinggroup in and around the country.College and another more open one atthe Bat centre. Both these performanceswere part of a series of shows run ona monthly basis called MassagingThe Soul. The band also did an extraspecial performance at The Westvillecampus of UKZN. They expressed asense of appreciation for all the positiveenergy that they received from thosewho were in attendance. Buhle said,“It is quite humbling to have peoplewho appreciate our music becausewhen we started we didn’t realize thatit would reach out to a lot of peopleso it is humbling to find people thatreceive us well and who buy albums”.The Soil is ready to take their music tonew heights. Their presence on stageis phenomenal. Their talent has beennurtured naturally as they admit that theyhave not received any formal trainingin music but rather sing from theirsouls using their God given talents andthey are intent on continuing to claimtheir place in the local music space.The Soil is as comfortable at big music festivals and concerts as it is on theater stages.In the past 7 years The Soil has graced stages of the most renowned events such as theStandard Bank Joy of Jazz and the Grahamstown Arts Festival.Kasi soul groovesThe Soil’s debut album was a mixture ofinfluences ranging from jazz to Afro-pop and was aproject that affirmed the band’s status as one of themost interesting new bands in South African music.