Freshly ground is one of South Africa’s most recognised live bands, known for a sound that brings together Afro-pop, jazz, folk, soul and African musical influences.
Originally formed in Cape Town in 2002, the multi-award-winning group has built a catalogue that includes songs such as “Doo Be Doo”, “Nomvula”, “I’d Like” and “Fire Is Low”, alongside their globally recognised collaboration with Shakira on “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.
Now fronted by vocalist Mbali Makhoba, Freshly ground has entered a new chapter while keeping the energy, musicianship and unmistakable African sound that made the band a favourite with audiences in South Africa and abroad.
Freshly ground’s New Era
Freshly ground returned to recording with Take Me Home, their first studio album since 2018 and their first with Mbali Makhoba as lead vocalist.
Mbali grew up in Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, Cape Town, and brings a soulful new vocal style to the band. Her arrival has not simply changed the voice at the front of Freshly ground. She has also become part of the group’s songwriting and creative direction.
The current Freshly ground lineup features six musicians:
- Mbali Makhoba on lead vocals
- Simon Attwell on flute, saxophone and keys
- Chris Bakalanga on guitar
- Josh Hawks on bass
- Peter Cohen on drums
- Julio Sigauque on guitar
Together, they combine more than two decades of Freshly ground’s musical history with a new generation of songs and performances.
Freshly ground Songs and Music
For many South African audiences, Freshly ground’s music needs little introduction.
Tracks such as “Doo Be Doo”, “Nomvula”, “I’d Like” and “Fire Is Low” helped establish the band’s distinctive mix of African rhythms, pop songwriting and live instrumentation.
Their international profile grew dramatically through their collaboration with Shakira on “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The band’s latest material continues that story rather than simply trying to recreate it.
Released in 2026, Take Me Home introduced a new body of Freshly ground music featuring Mbali Makhoba. Songs including “Take Me Home”, “Jabula” and “Welele” bring soul and blues influences into the band’s established Afro-pop and African fusion sound.
It means a current Freshly ground performance can draw from both sides of the catalogue: the songs audiences already know and material from the band’s newest era.
Book Freshly ground for Live Events
Freshly ground has always been built around live performance.
The band’s shows combine strong musicianship, African rhythms, recognisable melodies and the kind of catalogue that gets an audience involved quickly. Their return to live performance has also included shows across South Africa and an international European tour during 2026.
Freshly ground can be considered for a wide range of live events, including:
- Corporate events
- Music festivals
- Gala dinners
- Awards evenings
- Large private functions
- Cultural events
- Heritage celebrations
- International events
- Public concerts
For organisers looking for an established South African band with broad audience recognition, Freshly ground brings together familiar music, a substantial performance history and a renewed live show built around the current lineup.
Freshly ground Corporate Event Bookings
Freshly ground is particularly well suited to corporate events where organisers want a recognised South African act rather than background entertainment.
Their catalogue crosses several musical styles and generations, which gives the band very broad appeal across mixed corporate audiences.
Big Talk Entertainment can assist with Freshly ground corporate bookings, including availability enquiries, performance requirements, event information and the booking process.
When making an enquiry, it helps to provide:
- Your event date
- Event location and venue
- Type of event
- Expected audience size
- Performance requirements
- Any relevant event timings
This allows the booking team to establish availability and provide the information required to move the enquiry forward.
How to Book Freshly ground
Booking Freshly ground through Big Talk Entertainment starts with an event enquiry.
Send us your proposed event date, location, venue and event type. Our team can then assist with Freshly ground’s availability, booking requirements and the next steps required for your event.
Because artist availability and event requirements can vary according to the date, location and nature of the performance, booking costs are generally confirmed once the details of the event are known.
For Freshly ground booking enquiries, contact Big Talk Entertainment or submit an enquiry through this page.
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