South African musician Zolani Mahola is set to release her new album, People Power, featuring 12 tracks she has been working on over the past few years. The album is part of her promotional tour, which has included performances at Mamashaka & Friends in Johannesburg. Mahola's upcoming show at Artscape in Cape Town will showcase her new music. Her recent single releases have been well-received, and fans can expect more music from her in the coming months.
Mahola's approach to releasing her music is deliberate and strategic. She is spacing out her single releases to give each song the attention it deserves, combating the trend of music being treated as disposable. This year, she has released singles such as XhosaNostra in July and AmaXhosa last week, with her next single, A Good Time, set to drop on October 16. By doing so, Mahola aims to provide a more meaningful experience for her listeners.
The artist is also looking to shift her public image, which she feels has been defined solely by her work with Freshlyground. Mahola believes that people still see her as just the Freshlyground artist, and she wants to showcase her growth and evolution as an artist. After a seven-year hiatus from the band, Mahola has been working on her solo career, and her new album, People Power, is a reflection of her personal and artistic growth.
People Power is produced by Grammy-nominated producer Hannah V, known for her work with major artists. The album features anthemic pop sounds and showcases a more vibrant side of Mahola compared to her previous introspective album, Thetha Mama. Mahola's personal life has also undergone significant change, including her recent separation from her husband of 13 years. This period of introspection has influenced her music, with themes of self-discovery and joy.
The title track, People Power, draws inspiration from civil rights advocacy, echoing the sentiment that "Nobody's free until everybody's free." Another song, Halala, pays tribute to students who died during the anti-apartheid protests in 1976, merging celebration with remembrance. Mahola believes that this connection to the past is crucial for understanding the present and urges listeners to recognise the ongoing struggles in South Africa.
Mahola's upcoming performance at Artscape will feature music from People Power backed by her all-female collective, Feminine Force. The show aims to create a supportive space for women in the industry and will include a mix of her new work and beloved Freshlyground songs. Mahola plans to deliver an uplifting evening, showcasing her growth as an artist and her commitment to empowering women.
As Mahola prepares for her show, she emphasises the importance of unity and mutual support among communities. Her album, People Power, is not just a collection of songs but a reflection of her journey of self-discovery and her connection to her ancestry. The album's release and her live performances are a testament to her evolution as an artist and her desire to redefine her public image.
Key points
- Zolani Mahola's new album, People Power, features 12 tracks and is part of her effort to redefine her public image beyond her Freshlyground fame.
- Mahola is deliberately spacing out her single releases to give each song attention and combat the trend of disposable music.
- The album's title track, People Power, draws inspiration from civil rights advocacy, echoing the sentiment that "Nobody's free until everybody's free."
