The Bhacasoul Experience is a live music concert which pays homage to Joliza’s ethnicity – Bhaca. Although he was born in Gqeberha, Joliza’s family is from Emawusheni village which was originally inhabited by a tribe known as Amawushe in KwaBhaca (formerly known as Mount Frere), a place dominated by AmaBhaca in the former Transkei.
Even though it reflects some elements of Afro soul, jazz and maskandi, Joliza calls his sound bhacasoul music, a genre which leans more on traditional Bhaca elements of “ukucwiya”(spiritual singing), “ukuvalela” (spiritual humming and chanting) and “ukuxhentsa”(spiritual dancing).
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Thandikhaya “Joliza” Magayiyana – Producer & Lead vocals
Sivuyile Scott Msizi – Drums & vocals
Mandilakhe Chaga – Lead guitar
Siphiwo Manyonga – Keyboard
Sipho Gqirana – Base guitar
SIyamthanda Nondlwana – Backing vocals
Melikhaya Whiskey – Backing Vocals
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Joliza was born in the township known as Gqeberha (officially known as Walmer Township) in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) in 1991. He started experimenting with music in 2005 when he formed a group called Valley Gees and released an EP titled Umanqoba in 2007. He later went solo and released an EP titled Nontsokolo in 2009. In 2012 he formed another group named Collabo with two other friends and released an EP titled Amajoni Omzabalazo. In 2013 he released another solo EP titled Skeem Sam. In 2015 he released his first Afrosoul album titled Amalungelo which was launched in May 2016 and was relaunched at the 1st Annual Gqeberha Music Festival in December 2016. This annual music festival is the brainchild of Joliza and his management team at Imboworx.
In December 2017 he launched his second hit album, “Ndithwale hashe lam”, at the 2nd Annual Gqeberha Music Festival. In the same year he won the Best Newcomer Award in the inaugural Bay Area Music Awards (BAMAs) and was invited to perform at the 6th Annual Ebubeleni Music Festival. In 2018 he was commissioned by the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (formerly known as the PE Opera House) for a solo show as part of the Jazz Afro Sunday sessions. In the same year he was nominated for and scooped three awards in the Best Newcomer; the Best Male Vocalist and the Best Afropop categories of the inaugural Annual Nelson Mandela Bay Music Awards.
In April 2019 Joliza was invited to perform as an opening act for the Afropop songstress Amanda Black at the PE Boardwalk ICC. In September 2019 he was invited as an opening act for the song sensation Ami Faku at the Boardwalk Amphitheatre. In November 2019 the same year he was invited to open for Ntsika from The Soil at the PE Boardwalk ICC. Joliza was nominated in the Best Newcomer Category of the 2019 Eastern Cape Music Awards. In 2020 he was commissioned by the National Arts Festival to offer curated work for the Virtual National Arts Festival.