SA: Freshlyground shares third single from forthcoming album

The single features 20-year-old vocalist Mbali Makhoba, who has joined the band as lead singer. Her performance forms the centre of the track and signals a new phase in the band’s line-up and creative direction. The accompanying music video, directed by Ian Gabriel, introduces Makhoba visually as the group’s new front figure.

In a statement accompanying the release, Makhoba described the song as a reflection of personal change. “Take Me Home represents growth and transformation for me,” she said. “It’s a message, a heartfelt cry for peace of mind. It embodies the journey that I’ve been on. Hopefully other people who are also yearning for a sense of home and calm are going to relate.”

Band members said the song developed gradually during writing sessions. Guitarist Josh Hawks said the composition evolved collaboratively. “The song came together quite organically over a few months. I wrote the initial chords, Simon steered it into F sharp major, Julio and Chris suggested the verse section, and Mbali came in with killer melody and rhythmical vocals. The reaction was immediate; people instantly connected,” he said.

Peter Cohen said the track reflects a broader shift within the band. “I’m very proud of it. The cherry on top is that Mbali has put her stamp on this new version of Freshlyground. It’s super exciting and joyful to be around this new iteration of the band. I’m super chuffed with the way it has come out,” he said.

‘Take Me Home’ follows two earlier singles from the forthcoming album and is positioned as a thematic exploration of belonging and emotional refuge. The band has indicated that the new material maintains elements of its established sound while incorporating different stylistic influences.

Formed in Cape Town in 2002, Freshlyground is known for blending Afropop, soul, jazz, indie rock and traditional African music. The band achieved international recognition with songs such as ‘Doo Be Doo’ and ‘I’d Like’, and through its collaboration with Shakira on ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’, the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For much of its career, the group was fronted by vocalist Zolani Mahola.

With the release of ‘Take Me Home’, Freshlyground enters a new chapter, introducing a new lead voice while continuing work on an album expected later this year.