based: Cape Town
Freshlyground is one of South Africa’s most celebrated and internationally recognised bands, renowned for an infectious fusion of Afro-pop, jazz, folk, soul and traditional African rhythms. Formed in Cape Town in 2002, the multi-award-winning group has spent more than two decades creating a distinctly South African sound that has connected audiences across cultures and continents.
After a five-year hiatus, Freshlyground has entered an exciting new era with 20-year-old Cape Town vocalist Mbali Makhoba stepping into the role of lead singer. Rather than attempting to recreate the band’s past, Mbali brings her own powerful, soulful vocal identity and youthful energy to the Freshlyground sound. The band has described the creative chemistry with her as immediate, with her contribution extending beyond vocals into the writing and storytelling of their new material.
Growing up in Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, Cape Town, Mbali developed a connection with music from an early age through her musical family. Her journey eventually led to an audition with Freshlyground, and the connection proved transformative for both singer and band. Drummer Peter Cohen has said that meeting Mbali was pivotal to their decision to bring Freshlyground back together.
A LEGACY OF ICONIC SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC
Freshlyground’s extensive catalogue includes much-loved songs such as “Doo Be Doo,” “Nomvula,” “I’d Like” and “Fire Is Low.” Their distinctive combination of African instrumentation, contemporary songwriting and energetic live performance established them as one of South Africa’s great crossover bands.
Their international profile reached another level when they collaborated with Shakira on “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration introduced Freshlyground’s sound to a vast global audience and remains one of the defining musical moments associated with Africa’s first FIFA World Cup.
For 17 years, Zolani Mahola was the unmistakable voice at the front of Freshlyground before embarking on her solo journey in 2019. The arrival of Mbali Makhoba represents a new generation rather than simply a replacement — maintaining the musical DNA audiences associate with Freshlyground while allowing the band to evolve creatively.
THE NEW SOUND — TAKE ME HOME
In 2026, Freshlyground released Take Me Home, their first studio album since 2018 and their first with Mbali as lead vocalist. The eight-track project was recorded between Cape Town and Harare and reunited the band with Grammy-winning producer JB Arthur, who had previously worked on landmark Freshlyground albums including Nomvula and Ma’Cheri.
New-generation releases including “Jabula,” “Welele” and “Take Me Home” introduce Mbali’s voice while retaining the warmth, rhythmic energy and cross-cultural character that have always been central to Freshlyground. The new material also explores soul and blues influences alongside the band’s established African musical foundations.
FRESHLYGROUND LIVE
Freshlyground remains, at its heart, a live band. Their performances combine musicianship, movement, African rhythms, memorable melodies and the instantly recognisable catalogue that audiences have grown up with — now complemented by a fresh body of music and Mbali Makhoba’s dynamic stage presence.
The current six-piece ensemble features Mbali Makhoba on lead vocals, alongside longstanding Freshlyground musicians including Simon Attwell and other members of the collective. In 2026, the rejuvenated band returned to an international touring schedule, with performances across South Africa and Europe supporting Take Me Home.
Freshlyground’s return is therefore more than a reunion. It represents the next generation of an iconic South African musical story — honouring more than two decades of songs and memories while introducing a new voice, new music and a renewed creative energy.
Genre: Afro-Pop • African Fusion • Soul • Jazz • Folk • World Music
Lead Vocalist: Mbali Makhoba
Classic Hits: “Doo Be Doo” • “Nomvula” • “I’d Like” • “Fire Is Low”
New Era: Take Me Home • “Jabula” • “Welele”
International Highlight: Featured with Shakira on “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”
Ideal for: Premium Corporate Events • Festivals • Gala Events • International Events • Large-Scale Celebrations • Cultural & Heritage Events
