Big dreams are fast turning into reality for the inaugural National Arts Festival Makhanda Igwijio Competition winners, Makhanda Gwijo Combined. The local singing group were recently invited to feature on the new album being made by South Africa’s iconic a cappella trio, The Soil. The homegrown Gwijo group met The Soil when they were at this year’s National Arts Festival as headline act and judges of the Makhanda Igwijio Competition. Gwijo Combined’s electrifying performance at the competition earned them more than first prize and the chance to perform with The Soil at the Festival, it also secured them an unexpected invitation to Johannesburg to record with the trio for their upcoming album.
Igwijo is a South African form of singing known for its intense emotion, shared harmonies and raw voices. It has been popularised by young people in sports teams, schools, weddings and other cultural gatherings.
The unmissable journey to the Joburg recording studio was made possible through the power of collective effort, with support from the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, as well as a fundraising initiative led by the Igwijo group themselves, and the determination and enthusiasm of family and friends.
While their trip was primarily focused on their time in the studio, they were also taken on a tour of some of Johannesburg’s cultural attractions such as Nelson Mandela Square, Vilakazi Street and The Market Theatre, where they were joined by National Arts Festival Chairperson, Professor Siphiwo Mahala and theatre director Mandla Mbothwe.
Speaking on behalf of The Soil, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga said, “The session was nothing short of incredible. Those boys are born superstars, they were thrust into a professional studio environment for the very first time, yet handled themselves like seasoned pros. With a cappella, there’s always the challenge of keeping pitch and tempo consistent, and we introduced them to tools like the metronome to help them hold their ground without losing the soul of their music. They rose to every challenge brilliantly.”
Ntsika went on to say, “Beyond recording with us, this experience has shown that they are ready to record their own projects and step into the industry with confidence. It has been a blessing to extend our hand beyond the competition stage and to truly bond with them. We pray the magic felt in studio translates when the world hears the songs, one of which will feature on our upcoming album.”
With a deep understanding of the origins and evolution of township music, Ntsika recognised the Gwijo goes beyond just being a genre, “To us, it’s a heritage and to see our custodianship of a cappella meet their raw gift in such an effortless way is truly exciting. More than music, we encourage them to keep that same fire in their studies, to stay disciplined, and to live responsibly so their gifts can have longevity. They have now seen up close what a sustainable career in music can look like. What a start, what an exciting time for them, and for us too. We are so proud!”
After returning from their three-day trip, the group shared how monumental it was to be in the studio with their biggest inspirations and create music together. Expressing their gratitude for the experience, Lizalise Diva, the Makhanda Gwijo Combined group leader, said, “For a moment, I began to reflect on my childhood. I remembered singing The Soil songs like ‘Iinkomo’ with my friends. Who would have thought I would actually be in the studio with them? We learnt how much hard work and discipline it takes.” He also expressed appreciation for their management and Nobesuthu Rayi, the National Arts Festival Partnerships and Stakeholders Manager.
Another group member, Anothando Skade, agreed that the trip has left them inspired and motivated, “It was evidence that dreams really do come true. Growing up, I used to watch them (The Soil) a lot, so collaborating with them, was a very big moment for us”.
Featuring lead composer and founder Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, beatboxer and co-founder, Luphindo Ngxanga, and singer-songwriter Theo “Songstress” Matshoba, The Soil’s new album is expected to be released later this year.