Freshly Ground to set Maitisong ablaze

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 15, 2007 00:00

 

The multinational band, which plays Afro-fusion, was formed in Cape Town in 2002. Some believe that the group has taken the crown from the now defunct Mango Groove whose leader/singer Claire Johnston has been compared to the young Zolani Mahola. Mahola's distinctive voice has been outstanding in tracks like Doo-Be-Doo, I'd like and Nomvula from their second album Nomvula which rocketed the group to fame.

Like Mango Groove (which is said to be regrouping), Freshly Ground has cleverly incorporated elements of South African music, blues and jazz to come up with a new blend of style.

Apart from the lead singer Zolani Mahola, other band members include Kyla Rose Smith (violin and vocals), Simon Attwell (flute, mbira and harmonica). Julio Siguaque (acoustic guitar), Peter Cohen (drums), Josh Hawks (bass guitar) and Aron Turest-Swartz (keyboard, percussion and vocals).

Freshly Ground is due to release their third album in September.