From the outset, they fused a variety of genres that surrounded them: pop, Afro-folk, jazz and township grooves. They became one of South Africa's most popular bands and enjoyed success abroad, too. Then singer Zolani Mahola left. Five years of silence followed. At least on the outside, because the members of Freshlyground, who hail from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have clearly made good use of the time. They have written new songs and, above all, found the perfect new voice: Mbali Makhoba. In her mid-20s, she offers a fresh, youthful take on the Afro-fusion sound that made the band from Cape Town famous.

Photo Sean Wilson