Soul, whose real name is Jessica Reynoso, originally came to meet the group when Apl.de.ap chose her for the Philippines version of The Voice in 2013. After Fergie left the group, Soul made a guest appearance on the 2018 Peas project Masters of the Sun Vol. 1, and subsequently accompanied the group on their world tour the following year (via Billboard). More recently the song "Mamacita," her collaboration with the Peas and Ozuna, has become the group's latest hit. No wonder they're taking things to the next level by offering her a permanent position instead of having her remain a part-time Pea.
As to why the Peas chose Soul, specifically, to replace Fergie, it seems to be part of their push to adopt a more global style. Will.i.am, speaking to Billboard about Latin music and culture, calls it "the most creative world right now," and despite being technically an Asian country, the Philippines was under Spanish rule for over 350 years (via NBC News) and thus is considered by many to be part of that Latin world. Will.i.am also noted that between 2003 and 2011, the Black Eyed Peas were even more popular in Latin America and in Spain than they were in the U.S., so it seems likely that the group's more international focus, with Soul front and center, will play well on a global stage throughout the 2020s.
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