The Soil is a Soweto-based a cappella trio comprised of lead singer Ntsika Ngxanga, beatboxer Luphindo, and vocalist Buhlebendalo Mda, who formed the group in 2003.

It began in 2003, when all of the members got together during jam sessions at Tikelo Secondary School.

The organization was called as ‘Particles of the Soil’ at the time, and it had more than four members.

 

 

 

 

As time went on, other members left due to other commitments. Buhlebendalo Mda (singer), Ntsika Ngxanga (primary composer and vocalist), Luphindo (beatboxer and vocalist), and Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, better known by his stage name Samthing Soweto, were the only members of the group in 2010. Mdolomba was part in the recording of the group’s first album, but Samkelo left to establish the modern jazz group The Fridge, where he performed as the lead vocalist, due to contractual conflicts and artistic differences.

The Soil’s self-titled debut album, The Soil, was certified platinum in 2011 after selling over 50,000 copies. Reflections: (Live In Joburg) was published on October 7, 2013, and it won Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album at the 2014 South African Music Awards. On September 15, 2014, their second album, Nostalgic Moments, was published digitally on iTunes. On September 22, 2014, it became available for purchase in hard copy. Music critics gave Nostalgic Moments a favorable assessment.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo and hip hop singer Khuli Chana make cameo appearances on the album. The band won Best Produced Album and Best Duo/Group at the 14th Metro FM Awards. The band was nominated for a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2015.

In June 2020, the band made their decision to take an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo projects.

One user on Twitter posted that he didn’t like their music, which of led to many saying how much they love their music and that he doesn’t know anything about music.