Freshlyground back

SOUTH African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground is back with a new single following a three-year drought.

The seven-member band which is preparing for a North American tour, starting next week will have about 14 gigs in 16 days.

Their new single, Don’t Leave Me is already getting a lot of positive attention from music fans all over the world.

SunBuzz caught up with the group’s leading woman, Zolani Mahola, who could not hide her excitement. She said they were ready to share with the world the contagious energy they’re known for.

“We’ve not released new music in a while, but we’ve been working hard to write new songs and we’re getting ready to record a lot of new music,” Mahola said.

The Sing Off talent judge said even though they had chosen to record one track, they will release more songs as the year progresses adding that fans should expect hit singles.

“We’ll be recording some of the new material we’ve written. We’ll then decide whether to release the music as an album or not. This is a new thing for us as well,” she said.

The musician said they had planned an energetic tour for their fans abroad.

“We’ll be sampling some of our new music as well as songs from all of our albums,” she said.

Freshlyground’s musical style blends elements of traditional South African music (such as kwela and African folk music), blues, jazz, and features of indie rock. Popularly known for hit-track Doo Be Doo, Freshlyground released their debut album, Jika Jika, in early 2003.

The commercial success of this album ultimately kick-started their career and re-affirmed their reputation as a fresh and vibrant young face in South African music. The much-needed exposure from the album resulted in an invitation for the band to perform at both the Harare International Festival of the Arts and the Robben Island African Festival where they performed with Oliver Mtukudzi. This album was remixed by Keith Farqhuarson, remastered by Chris Athens and re-released in 2008.

In 2005, they were nominated for three South African Music Awards (Sama) for their 2004 album, Nomvula. Although they won no Samas that year, in 2008 the Recording Industry of South Africa awarded them the coveted Best Duo/Group Sama.

In the same year, their 2007 album Ma’ Cheri won the prestigious Album of the Year Sama, as well as Best Adult Contemporary Album: English, and Best Engineer. — DailySun/Showbiz Reporter.