Buhle Biography: Boyfriend, Age, Songs, Net Worth, Child, Albums, Partner

Buhlebendalo Mda, known affectionately as Buhle, is a soul-stirring South African singer, songwriter, and gender activist whose powerful contralto voice and spiritual lyricism have captivated audiences worldwide.

A founding member of the platinum-selling a cappella group The Soil, she’s transitioned into a solo career with albums like Chosi (2020) and Hele (2024), blending African rhythms with jazz and soul.

A Soweto native and sangoma, Buhle’s music and activism reflect her deep connection to her heritage and her commitment to empowering women and marginalized communities.

Profile

• Full Name: Buhlebendalo Mda
• Stage Name: Buhle
• Born: 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, Gender Activist, Sangoma
• Height: 5’6
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Buhlebendalo
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: One child (with Mpho Kock)
• Relationship: unknown
• Net Worth: $200,000–$500,000

Early Life and Education

Buhlebendalo Mda was born in 1986 in Soweto, Johannesburg, a township pulsing with cultural and political energy.

Growing up in its “dusty, yet deeply conscious streets,” she was immersed in the township’s soundtrack—mums gossiping, taxis rumbling, and barroom chatter—which later shaped The Soil’s Kasi Soul genre.

Details about her parents and siblings are private, as Buhle guards her family life, but her childhood was marked by a hunger to sing and a spiritual connection to music.

Her calling as a sangoma, a traditional healer, emerged early, influencing her artistry and worldview.

Buhle’s formal education included attending Tikelo Secondary School in Soweto, where she met her future bandmates in 2003 during jam sessions.

While specific details about her higher education are not documented, her articulate interviews and lyrical depth suggest a well-rounded background, possibly supplemented by informal music training through choirs and community groups.

Her high school years were pivotal, as she co-founded The Soil, then called Particles of the Soil, igniting her lifelong passion for music and performance.

Career

Buhlebendalo Mda’s career began with The Soil, a double platinum-selling a cappella group she co-founded in 2003 with Ntsika Ngxanga, Luphindo Ngxanga, and Samkelo Mdolomba (Samthing Soweto).

Formed during high school jam sessions, the group, known for its Kasi Soul blend of jazz, hip-hop, Afro-pop, and Afro-soul, released its debut album, The Soil (2011), which went platinum, certified by RISA.

Buhle’s contralto voice and emotive performances were central to their success, leading to international tours and performances at iconic venues like the Apollo Theater (New York, 2014), Westminster Abbey (UK, 2020), and the Edinburgh Festival (2013).

The Soil’s third album, Echoes of Kofifi (2016), earned SAMA nominations for Best Engineered Album, Best Duo/Group, and Best Afro-pop Album.

In 2019, Buhle began her solo journey, performing at events like the Birchwood Jazz Comes Alive concert and Bassline Live Festival.

Her debut solo album, Chosi (2020), released under Native Rhythms and UMG SA, featured singles like Ntab’ezimnyama, dedicated to women living in fear, and showcased “forgotten rhythms” of African ancestors.

The album’s creation was a “long, challenging, and fun” process, reflecting her spiritual growth as a sangoma.

Her sophomore album, Hele (2024), explored motherhood, healing, and identity, earning praise for its soulful depth.

Buhle announced her departure from The Soil in September 2023, citing a need to grow independently in the “cut-throat industry.”

She founded an artist hub for women, children, and queer people, expanding her gender activism.

Her social initiative, Soil Sista Projects, supports high school students facing emotional neglect.

Buhle’s performances, marked by spiritual and political lyricism, have graced stages like the Apollo New York Gala (2015) and Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, 2014).

She dreams of collaborating with artists like Simphiwe Dana and Madala Kunene, describing her music as “Isigqi Sakwantu,” a fusion of African sounds reflecting her healer’s spirit.

Awards and Nominations

• 2012: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Album of the Year – The Soil (Nominated, with The Soil)
• 2012: Metro FM Music Awards, Best Group Album – The Soil (Won, with The Soil)
• 2017: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best Engineered Album – Echoes of Kofifi (Nominated, with The Soil)
• 2017: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best Duo/Group of the Year – Echoes of Kofifi (Nominated, with The Soil)
• 2017: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best Afro-pop Album – Echoes of Kofifi (Nominated, with The Soil) Note: Solo awards are not documented; further accolades may exist within industry circles.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @_bendalo
• Facebook Handle: Buhlebendalo Mda
• Twitter Handle: @BuhlebendaloM

Personal Life

Buhlebendalo Mda resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, with strong ties to Soweto.

She is a mother to one child, shared with former partner Mpho Kock, though details about her child remain private.

Her relationship status is unconfirmed, following a publicized 2019 incident where Kock opened an assault case against her in Honeydew, West Rand, alleging physical abuse.

Buhle has not publicly addressed the case, maintaining focus on her music and activism.

Her calling as a sangoma deeply influences her life, guiding her music’s spiritual themes and her advocacy for women’s safety and empowerment.

Buhle’s Soil Sista Projects reflect her commitment to supporting youth, while her artist hub champions marginalized groups.

She draws inspiration from Soweto’s township life and artists like Miriam Makeba and Busi Mhlongo, blending genres to match her moods, from soulful to “Jazzy fizzle.”

Her 2019 interview with Bongiwe Tshiqi highlighted her intelligence and warmth, resonating with fans.

Buhle’s faith and cultural roots keep her grounded, as she navigates the industry with authenticity and courage.

Discography

• With The Soil: • The Soil (2011, Native Rhythms) – Platinum-certified • Nostalgic Moments (2014) • Echoes of Kofifi (2016)
• Solo Albums: • Chosi (2020, Native Rhythms/UMG SA) • Hele (2024, Independent)
• Solo Singles: • Ntab’ezimnyama (2020) • Vusela (2020)

Net Worth

Buhlebendalo Mda’s net worth is estimated at $200,000–$500,000.

Her income stems from The Soil’s platinum-selling albums, international tours, solo album sales, and festival performances.

As an independent artist post-2023, her earnings may rely more on live shows and her artist hub initiatives.