The singer Thabilé has just released her latest album Read My Lips, when she is awarded the Africa Festival Award (AFA). The award honors her, among other things, for her commitment to raising awareness through her music about the issues faced by oppressed South African women.
Thabilé knows what she sings about. She knows the pain and misery, but also the unbridled joy of life in South Africa from firsthand experience. She grew up in Dlamini, a township in Soweto (after which her first album "Dlamini Echo" is named). She doesn't know much about her father, growing up with her mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her mother, who often tours as a singer with the well-known "Soweto Teachers Choir," encourages her daughter at the tender age of eight to join the school and gospel choir – thus instilling in Thabilé the love for music early on.
Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and advocates for a better togetherness, especially for women's rights. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions and the fight against injustices in South Africa, but are also seen as statements against all forms of injustice in the world. This is evident in her new album "Read My Lips." It fits perfectly with Thabilé's long-standing commitment to visiting children in German schools and educating them about prejudices.
Rightly, the sympathetic singer has now been awarded "Artist of the Year 2023" at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. "I feel very honored," says Thabilé. "The award confirms that I am on the right path. And it encourages me to continue. I feel the power of music and want to lend my voice to those who suffer a lot and are not heard otherwise. In music, I feel joy and freedom, but also responsibility."
Better than with the last sentence, the new album "Read My Lips" could not be described. In it, Thabilé dives back into the world of her memories and experiences, which can be painful. Yet – as mentioned in the award ceremony's laudation – "she not only places her finger in the wound, but also, with her charming nature and powerful magical voice, manages to instill courage and convey hope ..."
Thabilé's songs have never been pure "world music," but always a high-class mix of various genres such as Afro, Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues. On the new album, Thabilé has now taken a musical step further together with her producer (and guitarist) Steve Bimamisa. "Read My Lips" also offers sparkling soulful songs and catchy pop ballads. With Thabilé's unmistakable voice – sometimes rock rough, sometimes gentle and soft. An album to listen to and empathize with, but also to sing along and dance to. Just as many fans know from the Thabilé concerts.