In 2003 Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers launched their debut album, Jika Jika under their own Freeground Records label, the immediate success of which firmly cemented the band as one of South Africa’s most successful young acts. Freshlyground formed in early 2002, and is made up of seven talented and diverse musicians from South Africa, Mozambique […]
In 2003 Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers launched their debut album, Jika Jika under their own Freeground Records label, the immediate success of which firmly cemented the band as one of South Africa’s most successful young acts.
Freshlyground formed in early 2002, and is made up of seven talented and diverse musicians from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Fronted by the diminutive but dynamic Zolani Mahola, the band exudes a live performance energy that has been the bedrock of their success.
The experienced rhythm section of Peter Cohen (drums) & Josh Hawks (bass) is complimented by guitarist Julio Sigauque, keyboardist Seredeal Scheepers, Simon Attwell (flute, mbira, sax and harmonica) and violinist Kyla Rose Smith.
Although hailing from diverse backgrounds, between them the band’s members weave a musical magic that is highly infectious and undeniably groovy.
Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers released their second studio album Nomvula in July 2004. Nomvula was recorded and produced by JB Arthur and Sibusiso Victor Masondo.
The album sparked interest from Sony BMG Africa, who signed the band and released Nomvula in September that year. Radio quickly picked up on the single ‘Doo Be Doo’ and the catchy song went on to become a crossover favorite amongst a diverse spread of stations and their listeners.
‘Doo Be Doo’ was the most played song in South Africa in 2005.
The major success of ‘Doo Be Doo’ was followed by the singles ‘I’d Like’, ‘Zithande’, ‘Things Have Changed’ and the title track of the album Nomvula.
The album sold 300 000 units in South Africa alone- earning it multi-platinum status. The success and broad appeal of the band was celebrated in November 2006 when Freshly Ground-Conference Band Entertainers won the MTV Europe Award in the category Best African Act.
The award placed the band firmly on the international music map and earned them further recognition on home soil as significant South African cultural exports.
The success of Nomvula was followed by Ma Cheri – Freshlyground’s third studio album, released in September 2007.
The album’s release was followed by a major South African tour attended by over 25 000 people across four cities. The tour was produced by Freshlyground and supported by Volkswagen South Africa .
The tour successfully raised the performance and production standards of local touring, putting the band on par with international acts in terms of production scale and value.
Ma Cheri has sold 80 000 units to date in South Africa and the single Pot Belly is another major crossover success, and is play listed on all South African radio stations.
Five years on Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers are a still a sensation. In South Africa audiences of every race cram in to see them. Old people get up and dance.
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Facebook
Don Packett stand-up comedian, author and Head of Perspective at strategy design and dissemination firm, Missing Link. On stage, Don’s specialty is bridging the gap between corporate content and entertainment. Through working on organisational strategies for over a decade and building a comedy career since 2008, finding the sweet spot between both is where the magic […]
Me and Mr Green is the brainchild of Dan Green who, after nine years of leading the successful Me and Mr Brown decided that a change and a freshen up was required to once more take the party circuit by storm. Me and Mr Green bring the very best party music from previous decades right […]
One of the most sought-after corporate and special event comedians in the country, Dick Hardwick has recently returned from his 2nd Around the World Tour. He has currently been making his mark by appearing in concert with the legendary Johnny Mathis and Reba McEntire. This very versatile stand-up comedian is comfortable moderating a corporate awards […]
The Pacific Trio brings years of professional experience to your event. Our small jazz group is the perfect choice to add elegance and excitement to your reception or special event. Our group can range from a piano/bass duo to a quintet playing big band swing from the era. The Pacific Jazz Trio We’ll help you […]
It’s pretty simple what Mark Mayfield Comedian does: he talks about very serious stuff in a very funny way. Mark has one of the most diversified backgrounds in the speaking industry having owned and operated several businesses ranging from livestock production to nightclubs to golf instruction, and also spent ten years as a lobbyist in […]
Watershed, one of the most successful and well-loved National bands for conference events ever to come out of South Africa. This multi-platinum selling band have released 6 studio albums so far, along with a greatest hits album during their 20 year career, As well as receiving 2 SAMA awards for best pop album and a […]
Kristoffer Olson has performed his comedy magic show for over 1,000 events, from Anchorage to London and many places in between. His corporate and non-profit clients include Thrivent Financial, Metro Transit, Mensa, Illinois Institute of Technology, the Minnesota State Fair, and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. Outlook Kristoffer embraces improvisation and audience interaction to […]
Tumi Morake has steadily grown into one of South Africa’s most sought after comedians, earning the title of South Africa’s Comic of The Year 2016. Named Free State Icon in 2011, Morake’s edgy brand of comedy has earned her a place as a headliner in comedy festivals all over South Africa. She’s bold, she’s sassy […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
