Singer Buhlebendalo Mda has announced her exit from The Soil, as she embarks on a solo career.
The news was revealed on Thursday as The Soil announced it would be releasing the fifth album after a hiatus of many years.Â
In the statement, it was shared that Buhlebendalo has opened up an artist hub that caters for women, children, and queer people.
She will be replaced by Theo Matshoba who was the best fit after the group went on a talent search to find a suitable replacement.
Buhlebendalo said she was grateful for everything, both the good and bad.Â
“I grew up as the child of The Soil, I have graced local and international stages and performed at some of the biggest festivals, in front of huge audiences here and abroad. I can never replace the time I have had with the group but it’s time to grow and face this cutthroat industry on my own, I know I can do it,” she said.
The Soil brothers Phindo and Ntsika said the group will never be the same because they grew up together. However, they said they support Buhlebendalo with her new endeavours endeavours.Â
Native Rhythms Velile Sithole said: “It’s a new chapter that we are now writing and we hope the script will read beautifully. I have had the pleasure of working with Buhle for over a decade now. She is a towering figure with such talent that always reveals itself on stage.”
The group is currently in studio finishing off the album. The first single will be dropped in the next two weeks.Â
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