After commemorating 18 years of creating music together and a recent return to the stage at Emperors Palace earlier this year, Buhlebendalo Mda, a member of the renowned acapella ensemble The Soil, has decided to depart from the group.
Her departure aims to allow her to focus on her solo career and her publishing company. However, Theo Matshoba, who had previously stepped in for Mda during her spiritual sabbatical, will take her place.
Mda shared this news on her social media platform, expressing her gratitude for the experiences, both positive and negative, that she had while part of the group. The group also issued a statement on Facebook, marking this transition as a new chapter in their journey and teasing an upcoming album.
Reflecting on her time with The Soil, Mda stated, “I grew up as the child of The Soil, performing on prominent stages both locally and internationally, and at major festivals. While I can never replace the time spent with the group, I believe it’s time to venture into the competitive music industry on my own. I have faith in my ability to do so.”
Blue and Brown Mbombo living it up in Dubai with Lorna Maseko (pictures)
Mda offered her support to Matshoba, confident that she will excel as her own unique self within the group. Her former bandmates, Luphindo and Ntsika Ngxanga, acknowledged that The Soil won’t be the same without her but expressed their support for her new endeavor. They also welcomed Theo’s creative contributions.
Apart from her solo career and publishing company, Mda has established an artist hub aimed at supporting women, children, and queer individuals.
Velile Sithole, the head of record label Native Rhythms, who has collaborated with Buhle for over a decade, praised her immense talent and predicted her success in this new venture.
This marks a new chapter for the group, and they anticipate unveiling their first single featuring Matshoba in the next two weeks as they wrap up their fifth studio album.
One thought on “Buhlebendalo Reveals That She Is Leaving The Soil”