Buhlebendalo Mda, affectionately known as Buhle, is a celebrated South African singer-songwriter, performer and storyteller whose powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made her one of the country’s distinctive contemporary African vocalists.
Born and raised in Soweto, Buhlebendalo first rose to prominence as a co-founding member and female vocalist of the multi-platinum-selling a cappella group The Soil. The group developed an unmistakable style known as Kasi Soul, combining intricate vocal harmonies, beatboxing, jazz, soul, gospel and traditional South African musical influences.
As part of The Soil, Buhlebendalo contributed to a catalogue that included much-loved songs such as “Joy,” “Susan” and “Baninzi”, while performing extensively across South Africa and internationally. The group’s success established them as one of the country’s most recognisable contemporary vocal ensembles.
Solo Career
While The Soil provided the platform that introduced Buhlebendalo to audiences around the world, her solo career has allowed her to explore a much more personal and spiritually rooted musical identity.
In 2020, she released her debut solo album Chosi, a 13-track body of work combining music, storytelling, African spirituality and personal reflection. The album features collaborations with Sjava, Madala Kunene and Mthetheleli Gongotha.
Buhlebendalo describes her musical approach as “Isigqi Sakwantu” — rhythms of the ancients. Her sound draws from traditional African music while incorporating Afro-soul, jazz, contemporary African rhythms and spoken storytelling.
Following her departure from The Soil, Buhlebendalo has concentrated on establishing herself as an independent solo artist and multidimensional creative. Her work moves beyond conventional performance, using music as a vehicle for storytelling, identity, spirituality, healing and social consciousness.
Career Highlights
- Co-founder and former vocalist of The Soil
- Part of The Soil’s multi-platinum-selling success
- Extensive national and international performance experience
- Released debut solo album Chosi in 2020
- Collaborated with Sjava and legendary guitarist Madala Kunene
- Performed at the Johannesburg Film Festival
- Featured at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in 2023
- Contributed music to the acclaimed South African television production Shaka iLembe
- Singer, songwriter, composer, storyteller and creative artist
- Known for her distinctive Isigqi Sakwantu musical identity
Live Performance
Buhlebendalo’s live performances are soulful, theatrical and deeply rooted in African storytelling. Her distinctive voice is accompanied by a strong visual and emotional performance style, creating an experience that extends beyond a conventional vocal performance.
She is particularly suited to premium corporate events, African cultural programmes, festivals, arts events, heritage celebrations, conferences and curated world-music experiences where the brief calls for an artist with authenticity, depth and a strong South African identity.
From her formative years with The Soil to her evolution as an independent artist, Buhlebendalo Mda represents a powerful contemporary expression of African music — connecting traditional influences, spirituality, storytelling and modern South African sound.
