The Soil Interview
The Group: Meet The Soil: a 4-member acapella singing group whose music can best be described as ‘Kasi Soul’. The Soil strives to fuse their voices to deliver melodic and harmonious messages that are aimed at uplifting and healing souls all around the world.
The first member of the group exists in a spiritual form as The Creator of all. The other three members of the group take a physical form: Buhlebendalo Mda, Luphindo Ngxanga, and Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, who are occasionally also supported by two backing vocalists, Asanda and Tshwarelo.
The Soil claims they are simply channels of the songs that they believe come to them from a sacred place where they just serve as mediums that help carry the message through.
The Soil consists of…?
God as our 1st member, Buhlebendalo Mda, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga and LuphindO Ngxanga. We do occasionally get joined on stage by Asanda Mqiki and Tshwarelo Maluka our extended The Soil family members:-)
What was the motivation behind the name The Soil?
The Soil as matter has 3 characteristics that relate directly to the music given to us through dreams by GOD, it is basic, raw and covers a lot of ground which is exactly what we plan on doing with the music.
Youth Village: When did you guys meet and how long have you been together?
The Soil : We met @ Tetelo Secondary School, Soweto and we have been together for 8 years.
Youth Village :You guys sing Accapela. Why did you take that direction?
We believe Acapella chose us. When we started dreaming about these songs and at the time none of us knew how to play any instrument, so we used voices to emulated every sound we had dreamt about.
Youth Village :How difficult was it for you to get in the music industry?
The Soil :It took us 6 years of sheer hustling to get a deal so you can imagine the rough journey:-)
Youth Village :What are your songs about?
The Soil :Primarily about GOD since we believe that GOD is Love and social issues that we face daily in our neighbourhoods and known dynamics of relationships.
Youth Village : Who are your musical influences?
The Soil :Mama Mirriam Makeba, Bobby McFerin, Mama Busi Mhlongo, Simphiwe Dana, Sis’ Brenda Fassie, Coldplay, The Script, Kings of Leon, Ladies’ Smith Black Mambazo just to name a few.
Youth Village : What image do you think your music conveys?
The Soil :We don’t know about an image but we certainly know that it conveys messages of hope, faith, love, courage and strenght.
Youth Village : The story of you been signed to Native Rhythms is different from other musicians. Tell us about that?
The Soil :We were doing a radio interview with Karabo Kgoleng after we had came back from Grahamstown for the 2nd time, yet with another Standard Bank Ovation Award. Sipho Sithole then called live on air and offered to sign us to his label and that was a perfect marriage from heaven because we had been searching for Sipho Sithole for 6 years.
Youth Village : Has things changed now that you’re signed to Native Rhythms?
The Soil :A lot, we have our album in the shelves now- The Soil Deluxe Edition, we now put food on our families’ table doing what we love, financial backing for our tours is always there, we get mentoring at no charge at all, our name is turning into a household name quicker than it would have been had they not signed us. We appreciate and love Native Rhythms a lot.
Youth Village : Where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?
The Soil :From life in its totality and the coolest part in the process is nailing the harmonies, the chorus and awesome flows on the verses.
Youth Village : What are your immediate music career goals in the next 5 years?
The Soil :We have just released a re-package of our self-titled debut The Soil DELUXE EDITION which includes bonus trax and a bOnus DVD including extra footage and our latest music video for ‘Baninzi’. We plan to record a DVD and release this around a tour (planning around the next 12 months)…
More long term goals include opening The Soil Academy that will help in pruning the raw talents of awesome kids in Mzansi and ofcourse scooping a Grammy:-)
Youth Village : Tell us about recording process of your album?
The Soil :The recording process is very detailed, intense and fun. We also like to think of it as that special family recipe that you don’t just give away.
Youth Village :Do you prefer performing on stage or recording in the studio?
The Soil :We love them both. In studio you can re-do takes and add as many layers as you want. When we performing live we get to be spontaneous and feed off of the audiances’ energy which is amazing.
Youth Village :What has been your biggest break or greatest opportunity so far in your musical career?
The Soil :Landing our song “Sedilaka” into an international movie called Dark Tide starring Oscar winning actress, Halle Berry.
Youth Village : What has been the biggest challenge for you as a group?
The Soil :Getting the recording aspect of our music right.:-). And when we did, we were the happiest bunch in the world.
Youth Village :If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
The Soil :The false notion that drugs enhance your talent. That’s absurd.
Youth Village :If you were to collaborate with any local or international artist who will it be?
The Soil : Any artist who wouldn’t mind working with us to create beautiful music:-)
Youth Village :Whom have you shared a stage with and how was the experience?
The Soil : We have shared a stage with Mahotela Queens, Tumi and the volume, Lira, Mi casa just to name a few and t he experience has always been humbling and overwhelming.
Youth Village : How do you feel about illegal music downloads?
The Soil :It feels like someone forcing you to take 3 steps back after you have taken 2 steps forward. We just hope that on top of what is being done to stop illegal music downloads, more can be done.
Youth Village :Besides being musicians what other projects are you working on?
The Soil :We are entrepreneurs. We will be releasing our full clothing range GODwilling before the end of this year.
Youth Village :Are you reading any books?
The Soil :Master P and Buhle aren’t big in reading books but Ntsika is currently reading Heaven Is So Real:-)
Youth Village :What do you do to relax?
The Soil : We watch and play soccer, go out for movies, river rafting and quad biking.
Youth Village :What advice do you have for the youth?
The Soil : Stay humble, never lose your faith, and hope. Last but not least, don’t give up on your dreams.
