Zolani Mahola is excited to share her new album, People Power, which features 12 tracks crafted over the past few years. Currently on a promotional tour, she recently performed at Mamashaka & Friends in Johannesburg and will take the stage at Artscape in Cape Town next week. Fans, however, will have to wait until 2027 for the full album release.
Mahola is deliberately spacing out her single releases to combat the trend of music being treated as disposable. “You spend so much time and money on crafting a work, and then it’s just there in the ether,” she says. This year, she’s releasing singles slowly—XhosaNostra in July, AmaXhosa last week, and A Good Time on 16 October—to give each song its due attention.
The artist also aims to shift her public image. While she gained fame with Freshlyground, she feels people still see her solely as that artist. “I’d like to shatter that and say: ‘We as artists evolve,’” she explains, highlighting her growth after a seven-year hiatus from the band.
People Power brims with anthemic pop sounds and is produced by Grammy-nominated Hannah V, known for her work with major artists. It showcases a more vibrant side of Mahola compared to her previous introspective album, Thetha Mama.
This release comes after significant personal change for Mahola, including her recent separation from her husband of 13 years. She reflects on how introspection during this time has influenced her music, embracing themes of self-discovery and joy. The title track draws inspiration from civil rights advocacy, echoing the sentiment that “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
The song Halala pays tribute to students who died during the anti-apartheid protests in 1976, merging celebration with remembrance. Mahola believes this connection to the past is crucial for understanding the present and urges listeners to recognise the ongoing struggles in South Africa.
As she prepares for her upcoming performance, Mahola underscores the importance of unity and mutual support among communities. The album also lets her reconnect with her ancestry, a journey that began after her last performance with Freshlyground in 2019.
At Artscape, Mahola plans to perform music from People Power backed by her all-female collective, Feminine Force, creating a supportive space for women in the industry. Expect an uplifting evening filled with her new work along with beloved Freshlyground songs.
“Please let the people know,” she emphasises as she wraps up her rehearsal.
