Ambitious aspirations are rapidly becoming a reality for the winners of the inaugural National Arts Festival Makhanda Igwijio Competition, Makhanda Gwijo Combined.
The local Gwijo group was invited to participate in a new album by South Africa’s a cappella group, The Soil. They met The Soil at this year’s National Arts Festival, where they won the Makhanda Igwijio Competition. Their performance earned them first prize and a chance to record with The Soil in Johannesburg.
Igwijo is a South African singing style characterised by its profound emotion, collective harmonies, and unrefined vocal expressions. It has gained popularity among the youth in sports teams, educational institutions, weddings, and various cultural events.
The unforgettable journey to the recording studio was made possible through the collective effort, with backing from the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, alongside a fundraising initiative spearheaded by the Igwijo group itself, and the unwavering determination and enthusiasm of family and friends.
Although the primary focus of their time there was on their studio experience, they were also given a tour of several cultural landmarks in Johannesburg, including Nelson Mandela Square, Vilakazi Street, and The Market Theatre, where they were accompanied by National Arts Festival Chairperson, Professor Siphiwo Mahala, and Theatre Director Mandla Mbothwe.
Speaking on behalf of The Soil, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga stated, “The session was nothing short of extraordinary. Those young men are natural superstars – they were placed in a professional studio setting for the very first time, yet they conducted themselves like experienced professionals. In a cappella, there is always the challenge of maintaining consistent pitch and tempo. We introduced them to tools such as the metronome to assist them in staying grounded without sacrificing the essence of their music. They met every challenge with remarkable skill.”
“I cannot emphasise enough how proud we are of them. In addition to recording with The Soil, this experience has demonstrated that they are prepared to embark on their own projects and enter the industry with assurance. It has been a privilege to extend our support beyond the competitive stage and to genuinely connect with them. We hope the magic experienced in the studio resonates when the world listens to the songs, one of which will be included in our forthcoming album.”
“For us, Gwijo represents not merely a style but a legacy, and witnessing our stewardship of a cappella harmonise with their innate talent in such a seamless manner is genuinely thrilling. Beyond music, we urge them to maintain that same passion in their academic pursuits, to remain disciplined, and to live responsibly so that their talents can endure. They have now witnessed firsthand what a sustainable music career can resemble. What a beginning, what an exhilarating period for them, and for us as well. We are immensely proud,” Ngxanga said.
Upon returning from their three-day journey, the group conveyed how significant it was to be in the studio with their greatest inspirations and to collaborate on music. Expressing their gratitude for the opportunity, Lizalise Diva, the leader of the Makhanda Gwijo Combined group, remarked, “For a moment, I started to reflect on my childhood. I recalled singing The Soil songs like ‘Iinkomo’ with my friends. Who would have imagined I would actually be in the studio with them? We learned how much dedication and discipline are required.’ He also expressed his gratitude towards their management and Nobesuthu Rayi, the Partnerships and Stakeholders Manager of the National Arts Festival.
Another member of the group, Anothando Skade, concurred that the journey has left them feeling inspired and motivated, stating, “It was proof that dreams truly can become reality. During my childhood, I frequently watched them (The Soil), so collaborating with them was a significant milestone for us.”
The album by The Soil, which features lead composer and founder Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, beatboxer and co-founder Luphindo Ngxanga, along with singer-songwriter Theo “Songstress” Matshoba, is anticipated to be released later this year.