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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
FROM the dusty streets of Soweto in South Africa to the bright lights of Los Angeles in America, so goes the story of three-member group The Soil who are nominees for this year’s BET music awards.

The soulful acappella group comprising of Buhlebendalo Mda, brothers Ntsika and Luphindo Ngxanga was nominated alongside Aka (South Africa), Wizkid (Nigeria), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Sauti Sol (Kenya) for the Best International Act Africa category. They are expected to travel to America to attend the awards ceremony later in the month where they will rub shoulders with established artistes, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Tinashe, Beyonce and Lil Wayne among others.

But before attending the awards ceremony, the Linkomo hit-makers, who are no strangers to American audiences, will first perform at the Apollo Spring Gala in Harlem on Sunday. This will be their third time to perform at the festival held annually to usher in that country’s spring season.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ntsika yesterday said being nominated for the prestigious awards which honour black artistes was a confirmation that they’re now an internationally acclaimed group.

“This is what we want because we want to tell African stories on a global stage. Such a nomination of this magnitude can help us achieve that goal faster because everyone wants to know what we’re all about,” said Ntsika.

The BET Best International Act Africa category was won by Nigeria’s Davido last year. Another Nigerian, Ice Prince had scooped the award the previous year.

Ntsika said the BET nomination had already opened doors for their group as international promoters were inviting them for shows.

“Already, we’re getting a lot of attention which goes to show that the nomination is a big deal. We’re excited as we’ve been invited to perform at a gala there. These are some of the fruits of the nomination as people are recognising us as an international brand.”

The Soil which is the next generation of township acappella bring a laid-back fusion of hip-hop, soul, jazz and afro-pop and are touted by some as the 21st Century’s answer to Lady Smith Black Mambazo. They have become the darling of fans across Southern Africa with their soulful acappella music.

The trio which collaborated with Lady Smith Black Mambazo for track, Hamb’ uyosebenza last year, said the collaboration was strategic as it was part of their efforts to expand their fan base and raise their profile.

Another big collaboration with Don’t worry, be happy hit-maker — American acappella artiste, Bobby McFerrin is on the cards as the group is going all out to ensure they become an international brand.

“We’re in talks with Bobby McFerrin and if that goes well, we’ll be the most excited youths. When we travel to the United States on Sunday, we hope to meet people like John Legend and see if we can work with him too,” said Ntsika.

Besides collaborations, the group plans to stage shows in several countries and the Harare Festival of the Arts (Hifa) is on their list.

“We’re in contact with one of the promoters and we want to come to Harare for Hifa next year. There’s another show that we’re planning in Zimbabwe so we’re just waiting for promoters there,” he said.

The group singled out Oliver Mtukudzi and Berita Khumalo as some of the talented artistes from Zimbabwe.

“There’re many talented musicians from Zimbabwe such as Berita Khumalo. We like her music and obviously Oliver Mtukudzi. It’s amazing that a song like Neria still has relevance.

“The music resonates with South Africans as it hits the most vulnerable parts of the soul, that’s the beauty of the timeless elements that are found in the music,” said Ntsika.

Turning to the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Ntsika said they did not condone what their fellow countrymen did to foreigners.

“People shouldn’t turn on each other and it’s unfortunate that our brothers turned on our African brothers. In every show we hold, we condemn the violence. Last week we were in Swaziland and we did the same,” said Ntsika.

The Soil was formed in 2010 and had four members including Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, who later left due to contractual differences to form The Fridge. The remaining three continued singing and were signed under Native Rhythms. They released their debut EP — The Soil in 2011 which contained their breakthrough track Linkomo. Their second album, Nostalgic Moments was released last year and has since gone double platinum, showing their star keeps rising. They have won various Channel O, Metro FM and South African Traditional Music Awards.