Just 6, a South African a cappella group, has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2011. Founded in Pretoria, the group started as a sextet rehearsing in a bathroom and has since evolved into a two-time Grammy-nominated ensemble. With their signature sound, dubbed "Afro-Vocal Play", they blend contemporary jazz, pop, R&B, and traditional African rhythms. This unique style has garnered international recognition and critical acclaim.
The group's journey began with a strong foundation in music and brotherhood. According to Ntuthuko Malaza, the early days taught them that it was about the love of music and the belief that they could create something special with nothing but their voices. From the bathroom days, they learned to listen to one another, blend, challenge, and trust each other. This spirit has stayed with them throughout their journey.
Away from cameras, the group dynamic is characterized by camaraderie and humor. Mthandazo Sibanda describes them as six guys who know each other well, with a lot of joking, teasing, and debating. They're different personalities, and that's part of what makes the group work. They share a brotherhood that's not just about music, but also about life experiences, advice, and support.
Maintaining this brotherhood over the years has been crucial to their success. Rashaka Mbevhana notes that they've learned that the music can only remain strong if the relationships remain strong. Travelling internationally and being exposed to bigger opportunities can change one's perspective, but they've had to become better at communicating, giving each other space, and remembering why they started.
Conflict is inevitable, but the group has learned to navigate it effectively. Nkosilathi Sibanda acknowledges that disagreements are normal, but it's essential to learn how to disagree without becoming divided. They've had to learn that sometimes one's idea isn't the one that wins, and that's okay if it serves the bigger objective.
Just 6's African identity is central to their music and message. Fezile Mavuso emphasizes that their "Afro-Vocal Play" isn't about putting African sounds on top of Western musical ideas, but about starting from who they are and allowing their influences to meet there. Their voices allow them to explore Africa's incredible rhythmic and musical vocabulary in a unique way.
The group's Grammy journey is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Kwande Cakata recalls that their first Grammy nomination came through their feature on Armand Hutton's Grammy-nominated work, and eventually, they received their solo Grammy nomination for their arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard On High". Going from a bathroom to having their work recognized at that level was surreal, and they cherish moments of connecting with audiences worldwide.
Key points
- Just 6's unique sound, "Afro-Vocal Play", blends contemporary jazz, pop, R&B, and traditional African rhythms.
- The group has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and has performed for audiences in different countries.
- Just 6's African identity is central to their music and message, and they aim to showcase Africa's rich musical vocabulary through their a cappella arrangements.
