Take a little humility, add three doses of talent, garnish with some swagger and you have the perfect Bala Brew, ready for export. This could be the recipe that propelled the Bala Brothers into the international arena. Singing dynasty Zwai, Loyiso and Phelo Bala are living what they have described as their ultimate dream.The Bala Brothers CD and DVD, recorded live at Johannesburg's Lyric Theatre last year, were unleashed on the American public last month. The concert aired in 50 states on the PBS TV network pledge performance special.Elder brother Zwai said: "This was always the dream, we just didn't know how it would come true. The idea behind starting Bala Brothers was to tour and to be seen by the world."We saw acts like Josh Groban gaining popularity and we thought, 'We can do that'."The trio has signed a deal with Warner International for the release worldwide of their self-titled album and DVD.Youngest brother Phelo said: "A lot of artists want to make it to the US. That we have this opportunity is truly a blessing. I'm fortunate to have been in a group. I don't think I'd make it if I were on my own."He is wrong about that. Phelo is what some would describe as the Beyoncé of the group, seemingly shy, somewhat insecure, but with an undefined allure. He is a power-house on stage with the kind of voice that would leave Chuck Norris in tears.The Bala Brothers are a melting pot of influences, with jazz, R&B, pop, kwaito and opera coming together in their English, Afrikaans and Xhosa performances.They won't get you twerking, but their rendition of Something Inside So Strong will cause even the most rhythmically challenged person to groove with suaveness."From the first time we heard ourselves sing together we knew we had something. Usually when you sing other people get goosebumps, but when we sang, we gave them to ourselves," Zwai said.This self-assurance comes across in their performances, whether at home with a piano, or on stage accompanied by an orchestra and the Drakensberg Boys Choir, where they started their singing careers.Zwai was the first black child to join the choir in the 1980s when he was 12 . This paved the way for Loyiso and much later for Phelo."When I sing with my brothers, it's special," said Loyiso, a successful solo artist. "After thousands of performances on my own I realised that this was where I needed to focus. The sound is international and unique."Humble beginnings have solidified the authenticity of their performance. They are able to give audiences exactly what they want while staying true to their roots.Like a full-bodied South African wine with elements of chocolate, cinnamon and oak, the Bala Brothers are not only intoxicating, but full of mature flavour, offering more with each performance.As the world gets to listen, South Africans can smile, knowing that our Bala Brothers are building a musical empire we can be proud of.The 'Bala Brothers' album is available on iTunes...