Freshlyground celebrate ten successful years

With their upbeat, easy-on-the-ear Afropop blend, the band has enjoyed success with many number one hits – including the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme, ‘Waka Waka’, which they sang with Shakira – and they delight stadiums of fans with their steady playlist of firm favourites.

2013 marks the 10th anniversary of Freshlyground since they launched their debut album ‘Jika Jika’ under their own Freeground Records label, the immediate success of which firmly cemented the band’s international trajectory.

The album sparked interest from Sony BMG Africa, who signed the band and released ‘Nomvula’ in September 2004. Radio quickly picked up on the single ‘Doo Be Doo’, and the catchy song went on to become a cross-over favourite amongst a diverse spread of stations and their listeners. In 2005, ‘Doo Be Doo’ was the most played song in South Africa.

The major success of this song was followed by 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 Freshlyground won the MTV Europe Award in the category Best African Act.

And now, in 2013, they celebrate a decade in the music industry, during which time they released five albums with multi-platinum sales and worldwide performances.

The Emperors Palace shows will mark their return to Gauteng after a long break, and these concerts will feature all their greatest hits. ‘South Africa’s Got Talent’ runners up, afro dance group Tembisa Revolution from Ekurhuleni, is set to open.

Freshlyground will perform two shows at the Theatre of the Marcellus at Emperors Palace, on Saturday, 30 November, and Sunday, 1 December. Tickets start at R175 and are available from Computicket and through Emperors Palace.

– TEAMtalk Media