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Simphiwe Dana questions the future of Freshlyground with new lead singer
The Star
|December 08, 2025
FRESHLYGROUND has returned with a new single and a Cape Town singer, Mbali Makhoba, who is stepping into the lead singer role.
AWARD-winning musician Simphiwe Dana. I File
Makhoba takes on the role years after the first lead singer, Zolani Mahola, left the band and took the solo career route.
The band recently dropped their new single Jabula, their first release in seven years, which has sparked different opinions.
While many fans are excited to hear something new from the group, singer Simphiwe Dana made it clear on her X timeline that she believes the heart of the band still sits with Mahola.
The Zandisile singer believes some groups cannot function without their original vocal force.
“This new project without Zolani won't work. As well as The Soil without Buhle. Stupid not to know what your band’s power is. Same with Thandiswa and Bongomuffin. It’s not gonna work without my sisters,’ she wrote.
This story is from the December 08, 2025 edition of The Star.
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