The Soil
The Soil, a celebrated South African a cappella group founded in 2004 in Soweto, has become a global icon of ‘Kasi Soul,’ a blend of contemporary township styles infused with jazz, hip-hop, and indigenous rhythms. The group features lead composer and founder Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, beatboxer and co-founder Luphindo Ngxanga, and singer-songwriter Theo “Songstress” Matshoba. Signed to Native Rhythms under an exclusive license to Universal Music Group (SA), their soulful harmonies and dynamic performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Their 2011 debut album, The Soil, achieved platinum status, setting the stage for international acclaim. Notable milestones include the release of Nostalgic Moments (2014), which won multiple awards, and Echoes of Kofifi (2016), celebrating Sophiatown’s cultural legacy. The Soil has headlined prestigious events, such as WOMAD festivals in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, and iconic venues like the Apollo Theatre in the USA.

Their accolades include a Channel O Award, a South African Music Award, and an international win at Russia’s White Nights of St. Petersburg. They’ve also been regular headliners for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts and performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Uganda’s Bayimba Festival.

In 2023, they marked their global presence at Russia’s Platonov Festival and returned after a seven-year hiatus with Reimagined, an album showcasing their artistic growth and collaborations.

Known for blending musical excellence with cultural authenticity, The Soil has used their platform to inspire and uplift audiences while promoting South African heritage. Their legacy as one of the nation’s most beloved exports is cemented by their commitment to soulful storytelling and their ability to unite diverse audiences through music.

Nkosinathi Maki

Nkosinathi Maki, the founder of the Mandela Bay Comedy Festival, has always had a niche for entertaining crowds. From a young age, his way around words brought much laughter. He later made a career out of his gift and is now a renowned South African stand-up comedian, MC, and host. He reaped the rewards of his passionate work of entertainment with an award for Best Solo Show at The National Arts Festival in 2019 for his exceptional performance.

In 2022, he was the winner of the Jive Funny Festival Championship. Furthermore, he was nominated twice for the Savanna Comics Choice Awards in 2023. Comedians turn lemons into lemonades by making jokes, even about the most difficult things in we face as a society. Maki is affectionately known for doing just that.