SA a capella group The Soil, have finally found their female vocalist to take over from Buhle.

Following the announcement in January 2016 that Buhle Mda, the group’s only female vocalist will be taking a break from performing, The Soil held auditions for a female vocalist to join the group from March 2016.

The search was open to all female vocalists who believed they had what it took to be a part of the cheeky yet confidently urbane band.

All the vocalists were given an opportunity to sing 2 songs of their choice from The Soil and each got an opportunity to perform with Phindo & Ntshika, the group’s current members.

After a full day of various performances and interaction with the band, 20-year-old Theo Matshoba from Dobsonville, Soweto got the ultimate prize. “More than anything, I am shocked because the ladies there were really talented. Buhle’s shoes are really huge to fill but I am not trying to be her, I just want to make her and the group proud”, said Theo Matshoba.

Judging criteria included synergy with the group and own persona that will complement the group image, something that Theo excelled in.

The second-year Psychology student at University of Johannesburg is ready for the journey ahead and she’s happy to have taken the chance to trial for this.

Native Rhythms MDs, Velile & Sipho Sithole said they would ensure that Theo still carries on with her studies and will co-ordinate performances with her school time table.

"Theo has an exceptional voice and we are extremely elated by the fact that she'll now be part of a unit whose sole mandate is to continue sharing beautiful music with people, in all these amazing stages" said The Soil.

She will start rehearsing with the band as of this week and her first performance will be on 5th March 2016.  Buhle will be present at most of these to guide her and give her some performance coaching.