Meet Mbali Makhoba: Freshlyground's new lead singer and their latest single 'Jabula'
South African band Freshlyground has a new song out, "Jabula," with their new singer, Mbali Makhoba.
Image: supplied
South Africa’s acclaimed African pop and soul band, Freshlyground, has released a new single called “Jabula” with singer Mbali Makhoba at the helm.
The singer steps into the band’s lead singer role previously held by singer Zolani Mahola, who has since carved her own solo career, even going on to release an album.
Freshlyground’s new single “Jabula” is their first in seven years. The song is produced by Grammy winner JB Arthur, who also worked on their 2004 album “Nomvula”.
The promotion of “Jabula” had caught the attention of fans and caused intrigue about who the new singer is.
Makhoba has been performing with members Simon Attwell, Julio Sigauque, and Congolese artist Chris Bakalang since last year, and in January, had her official debut as the lead singer at their Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens performance.
Freshlyground recently addressed eager fans' pressing questions in a Facebook video. The band clarified the identity and background of their new singer, explained how she joined, and provided an update on former vocalist Mahola.
Mahola left the group in 2019, and her former bandmates have nothing but love for her and expressed well-wishes for the singer and emphasised there is no begrudgement.
As Freshlyground's journey continues, they auditioned singers, but they just didn't find that magic until Makhoba arrived, and they knew it was the start of something electric.
“She’s got a different vibe, she’s got her own speciality that everyone has, and we're adding that to the sauce, and it’s good,” said Bakalang.
Makhoba hails from Hout Bay in Cape Town, and she excitedly says in the video that she is the new lead singer for Freshlyground. “Isn’t it crazy?” she remarks.
“Everything is flowing with you guys; it didn't feel like I had to fill in some type of shoes. It didn't feel like I had to be something or someone that I’m not; it just flowed naturally. I felt like I knew you guys for a very long time,” said Makhoba.
Mahola is synonymous with Freshlyground, having been a part of the band for so many years, and obviously, fans have some adjusting to do, now that Makhoba has arrived, but she isn't concerned about filling any shoes.
“Being in the band, everyone has some type of expectations, and it’s quite big shoes to fill, but those shoes don’t match my outfit.
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