ARTIST
Abantwana Benkosi (Zulu for "Children of the King") is a legendary South African traditional gospel group that became a cornerstone of the isicathamiya and choral music during the mid-1980s. Rising from the rich vocal traditions of KwaZulu-Natal, the ensemble is celebrated for its intricate a cappella arrangements, deep bass harmonies, and rhythmic call-and-response structures.
The group achieved national stardom with their 1986 breakthrough album, “Jerusalema.” Long before the global dance craze of 2020, their version of "Jerusalema" served as a foundational spiritual anthem in South African households. Throughout the late 20th century, they released influential projects like “Izithelo Zika Moya” and “Hamba Ka Ncane,” which fused Christian theology with traditional Zulu storytelling. Their legacy remains vital as their songs are frequently reimagined by modern gospel artists and featured in prominent media, such as the television series “Umkhokha: The Curse,” continuing to inspire lovers of choral music.
ARTIST
Soul Star, born Velaphi Sylvester Mtimkulu in Sebokeng, Gauteng, is a South African singer-songwriter, producer, and musical director known for his rich contribution to Afro-soul, soulful house, R&B, and contemporary African music. He grew up performing in gospel choirs and exploring genres such as isicathamiya, kwaito, choral music, and R&B, which shaped his emotive and melodic musical identity. He gained major recognition through his long-standing collaboration with Black Coffee, co-writing and co-producing the hit “Rock My World,” which featured in the acclaimed Africa Rising orchestral project.
Soul Star has worked with artists such as Da Capo, Culoe De Song, Black Motion, Heavy K, and Samthing Soweto, contributing both as a vocalist and songwriter. He later launched his solo work through Kya Soul Records, releasing projects that blend live instrumentation with soulful electronic production, including "Back II Soul Experience" and the single “Ungowami.”
ARTIST
Soul Star, born Velaphi Sylvester Mtimkulu in Sebokeng, Gauteng, is a South African singer-songwriter, producer, and musical director known for his rich contribution to Afro-soul, soulful house, R&B, and contemporary African music. He grew up performing in gospel choirs and exploring genres such as isicathamiya, kwaito, choral music, and R&B, which shaped his emotive and melodic musical identity. He gained major recognition through his long-standing collaboration with Black Coffee, co-writing and co-producing the hit “Rock My World,” which featured in the acclaimed Africa Rising orchestral project.
Soul Star has worked with artists such as Da Capo, Culoe De Song, Black Motion, Heavy K, and Samthing Soweto, contributing both as a vocalist and songwriter. He later launched his solo work through Kya Soul Records, releasing projects that blend live instrumentation with soulful electronic production, including "Back II Soul Experience" and the single “Ungowami.”
ARTIST
The Soil is a South African band with a distinct acapella singing style often classed as 'Kasi Soul' - a style with perceivable influences from the Isicathamiya genre. The band is made up of Buhlebendalo Mda, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, Luphindo Ngxanga. Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, aka, Samthing Soweto, was also a founding member of the band.
In 2020, the group members took an hiatus to pursue solo careers. The following year, they were reported to be working on a reunion album.
The group is known for their powerful live performances, which often feature intricate vocal harmonies and percussive rhythms. Their music is both uplifting and socially conscious, with lyrics that address issues such as poverty, education, and social justice.
Overall, The Soil is a talented and innovative group that has helped to redefine South African music. Their music is a celebration of South African culture and a testament to the power of vocal harmony.
BAND
The Soil is a South African band with a distinct acapella singing style often classed as 'Kasi Soul' - a style with perceivable influences from the Isicathamiya genre. The band is made up of Buhlebendalo Mda, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, Luphindo Ngxanga. Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, aka, Samthing Soweto, was also a founding member of the band.
In 2020, the group members took an hiatus to pursue solo careers. The following year, they were reported to be working on a reunion album.
The group is known for their powerful live performances, which often feature intricate vocal harmonies and percussive rhythms. Their music is both uplifting and socially conscious, with lyrics that address issues such as poverty, education, and social justice.
Overall, The Soil is a talented and innovative group that has helped to redefine South African music. Their music is a celebration of South African culture and a testament to the power of vocal harmony.
BAND
The Kingsm Star Brothers are an iconic South African Isicathamiya group that played a pivotal role in elevating the country's traditional a cappella music to the global stage. Formed in KwaZulu-Natal and led by the late Jabulani Mthembu, the ensemble became synonymous with the "tip-toe" vocal style popularized by migrant workers. Their career is defined by lush, precision harmonies and a deep commitment to Zulu cultural heritage, which earned them multiple accolades, including several South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations.
The group is perhaps most recognized by modern audiences for their collaborative spirit, specifically their work with Zwai Bala and the Bala Brothers. By providing the traditional vocal foundation for various "Afro-Popera" and crossover projects, they helped bridge the gap between rural folk traditions and contemporary urban pop. Through albums like "Abafana Be-Kingstar," the group solidified their legacy as masters of harmony and guardians of the Isicathamiya tradition.
BAND
Thee Legacy is a South African isicathamiya a cappella group from Durban, formed in 2009 by Jabulani Mthembu. The group was initially called 'Young Mbazo', reflecting its strong link to the legacy of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, before adopting its current name to establish a distinct identity.
The lineup includes Jabulani Mthembu, Khanyisani Mazibuko, Philani Duma, Emile Ngcob,o and Simphiwe Sikhakhane. Their background carries generational ties to the genre, with connections to members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo through family lineage.
Their style combines traditional Zulu isicathamiya harmonies with Afro-soul and modern rhythmic influences, creating a blend of heritage and contemporary vocal performance.
A major breakthrough came in 2015 when they won the inaugural season of The Sing Off South Africa, which led to national recognition and a recording deal. Since then, they have continued performing and recording, maintaining a balance between traditional choral foundations and modern South African vocal music influences.
BAND
Thee Legacy is a South African isicathamiya a cappella group from Durban, formed in 2009 by Jabulani Mthembu. The group was initially called 'Young Mbazo', reflecting its strong link to the legacy of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, before adopting its current name to establish a distinct identity.
The lineup includes Jabulani Mthembu, Khanyisani Mazibuko, Philani Duma, Emile Ngcob,o and Simphiwe Sikhakhane. Their background carries generational ties to the genre, with connections to members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo through family lineage.
Their style combines traditional Zulu isicathamiya harmonies with Afro-soul and modern rhythmic influences, creating a blend of heritage and contemporary vocal performance.
A major breakthrough came in 2015 when they won the inaugural season of The Sing Off South Africa, which led to national recognition and a recording deal. Since then, they have continued performing and recording, maintaining a balance between traditional choral foundations and modern South African vocal music influences.
BAND
Abantwana Base Sinai is a South African traditional gospel ensemble. Translating to "The Children of Sinai," the group uses vocal arrangements rooted in Isicathamiya, the indigenous a cappella tradition defined by harmonic call-and-response structures.
Singing in Zulu and Xhosa, the collective records classic hymns. Their album Ezinsukwini, released under Reamusic, features tracks like "Nkosi Sikelela" and "Baba Wethu." These songs focus on spiritual themes of perseverance, faith, and divine protection.
By prioritizing unaccompanied vocal harmonies over modern instrumentation, Abantwana Base Sinai brings township and rural church traditions into the commercial music landscape, preserving South Africa's gospel heritage.