Goapele On South Africa and Victory

Goapele’s “Victory” single has been circulating for quite some time now, and has many people wondering what’s to come from the Bay area singer of South African descent. Many including myself, were unaware that Goapele was so involved in “world music,” or rather music with African and global inspirations. But as Goapele explains “it’s something that was always there but it was just about timing.” Her most recent trip to South Africa early this summr came at a time where all eyes were centered on the country given the pending World Cup. While the visit was a reunion, it was also an opportunity for Goapele to meet and work with artists such as Hip Hop Pantsula, who collaborated on the title track. We had a chance to talk to Goapele about upcoming projects, family, and the recent changes that inspired her song and upcoming release.

DJ AnonymsOne: How have you been?

Goapele: I’m doing great, blessed and you?

AO: Great as well. So “Victory,” the first single, is a collaboration with South African artist Hip Hop Pantsula. Why did you choose Victory for the name of the single and project? And what inspired you to do this project now?

Goapele: Well, at the time the World Cup was coming and it was the first time for an African nation to host an event of this magnitude. For South Africa’s history its been a long time coming. Aside from that, South Africa has such a rich musical history from Miriam Makeba to the mbube acapella style of singing. That along with the many amazing people that I got to watch growing up in the Bay Area who are all over the world sharing South African music. I’m also thankful that I was able to connect with some of my peers and be exposed to many of the younger artists that are coming out of South Africa and throughout the continent. Ultimately, I’m just really excited about this Victory project and the collaborations.

AO: I read that you recorded Victory in 3 different languages, what was that like? Were you familiar with some of the dialect?

Goapele: Yes, Pantsula always raps at least bilingually, and La Bella, a respected South African jazz artist who recently passed away, came into the studio to do some background vocals for the song. At the time, she listened to the song and started to adlib, doing this traditional breathing technique Miriam Makeba used to do. It was truly powerful and inspired me to include some adlibs of my own.

The language has always been something I’ve wanted to or felt like I needed to learn just to empower myself, it just happens that it started through music first.

AO: When I heard about “Victory,” the first thing that came to mind was your “Soweto” song with Bay area group Hieroglyphics.

Goapele: (Laughs) (Sings) “You can go to the jungle/ go to the city/ visit Soweto or go to the Bay.” Soweto is the farthest thing from the jungle and that’s probably what people think if they’ve never been to South Africa, but what I meant is that you can go anywhere in the world and you find many of the same issues. The world is smaller than we think.

AO: What other artists should we expect to hear from as part of the project? Any other African artists?

Goapele: Right now it’s still all coming together. We’re starting with the “Victory” track. I did a track with Pro-verb, and I’ve been talking to other South African artists and artists from other countries such as Blitz the Ambassador from Ghana.

AO: You’ve always been involved in the community to some degree and now as part of this project you will donate proceeds to ANSA – could you elaborate a bit more on that?

Goapele: The main idea is that it’s non profit. It’s gonna be based on the strength that were going to work together and get some music out to people. Along with that, we hope to create other things that can benefit ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa) which will help other up and coming South African artists with exposure. Additionally it will help in the areas of education, H.I.V. prevention and orphan emergency needs.

AO: What is your fondest memory of South Africa, both growing up and being there this last trip?

Goapele: To me the strongest thing has been the music. Artists like Lady Smith Black Mambazo, who Paul Simon was working with, shares something you hear so much in South Africa, that mbube style. Instances like my father’s funeral, when my brother was reading the eulogy. Everyone at the service started humming a song and there would be points where people would break into acapella. So moments like these are etched in my memory. Ultimately the music itself probably motivated and sustained so much of the movement that finally led to a shift in political power. It reminds me of this country with the civil rights movement – music was such a part of it.

Then also growing up and going to parties, barbecues, and family functions. Keep in mind that at the time there were many people that were coming to the US from South Africa via education or political exile. Among those groups of people were musicians, and fortunately I was exposed to that. Lastly, the harmonies I feel are so rich, definitely the live percussion as well. I just really associate the songs and harmonies as a unique connection to South Africa.

AO: Favorite South African dish?

Goapele: I would say, I love pap which is really just a corn meal, a harder version of grits and then of course the barbecue food that’s super seasoned, like ribs with plenty of Indian spices. It tastes a bit like Indian-Jamaican food but with its own style.

AO: Your other project is called Milk and Honey. I’m hearing about many great collaborations, when can we expect it?

Goapele: It should be coming out in the 1st quarter, its my 3rd album. I’m really excited about it. Many different emotions and perspectives have come out in this album. “Milk and Honey” is the title track produced by Bedrock. It’s a hard hitting track with a sensual vibe, and gives a preview of the direction of the album. Then there are also some heart wrenching tracks. I became a mother, lost my father and grandmother, so many things have shifted in my life. It has been a healing creative outlet for that. Its been fun, I’ve worked with some of the producers from the previous album. Bedrock and Mike Tiger, but also producers like Dan Electric and other people I’ve been fond of like Kanye West, Kha, and Drumma Boy who produced a track called “Right here” that’s about to come out.

AO: Any last words in closing?

Goapele: I am very excited about this Victory project, please make sure to check out my blog for upcoming info, release dates and touring!

- DJ AnonymsOne

*In case you missed it, check out Goapele’s blog for more info on her upcoming projects.