Goapele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Goapele
|
|
|---|---|
Goapele in 2015
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Goapele Mohlabane |
| Born | July 11, 1977 |
| Origin | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | Skyblaze (2001–2009, 2011, 2017-present) Hieroglyphics Imperium (2001) Columbia (2002–2006) Decon (2009–2011) Jordan House/Primary Wave Music (2014–present) |
Goapele Mohlabane (pronounced GWAH-puh-lay; born July 11, 1977) is an American soul and R&B singer. She also writes her own songs. Her unique name means to move forward in Setswana, a language from Southern Africa.
Early Life and Family Background
Goapele' grew up in a family that cared a lot about fairness. Her father, Douglas Mohlabane, was from South Africa. He was a political activist who fought against Apartheid, which were unfair laws that separated people based on race. Her mother, Noa, was from New York and had been involved in protests since she was young.
Goapele's parents met in Kenya. She and her older brother, DJ Namane Mohlabane, were raised in California. They lived in a community of South Africans who had left their home country because of the unfair laws.
Growing Up with a Purpose
Both of Goapele's parents taught her to care about her community. From a young age, she got involved in helping others. She went to Berkeley Arts Magnet School. There, she led a group for younger kids to support each other. She also joined different groups that worked to stop racism and sexism.
Goapele has a daughter named Bahia Osun, who was born in May 2007.
Goapele's Music Career
Goapele has released several albums and singles throughout her career. She often mixes different music styles like R&B, soul, and jazz.
Starting with Even Closer
After studying at Berklee College of Music, Goapele returned to Oakland. She focused on writing and recording her own songs. In 2001, she released her first album, Closer, by herself. It sold 5,000 copies. She also became popular by performing live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In 2002, she added new songs to Closer and re-released it as Even Closer. She started her own music company, Skyblaze Recordings, with her family's help. The song "Closer" was even featured in the 2003 movie Honey. In 2004, Columbia Records helped distribute her album worldwide. Goapele helped write and produce the whole album. She also toured North America with the band Spearhead.
Success with Change It All
Her second album, Change It All, came out in December 2005. It included popular songs like "First Love" and "Love Me Right." This album did very well on the music charts. Goapele appeared on TV shows like Soul Train and Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote her music.
Magazines like Rolling Stone and Essence praised her work. She was even named one of the top artists to watch by Rolling Stone and MTV. Goapele also worked with ALDO Shoes to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
New Music: Break of Dawn and Victory
In 2011, Goapele released her third album, Break of Dawn. She worked with many talented producers and musicians on this album.
For the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Goapele released a special song called "Victory." It featured a South African rapper named Hip Hop Pantsula. This song was part of a project to help educate people and get resources to fight important problems in Africa. Money from this project went to a group called ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa). This group helps fight HIV/AIDS and supports children affected by the disease.
In 2014, Goapele joined a new record label called Jordan House.
Strong as Glass and Recent Albums
Goapele released her fifth album, Strong as Glass, in 2014. The main song from this album was "Hey, Boy," which featured the famous rapper Snoop Dogg. She has continued to release music, including DreamSeeker in 2017 and Colours in 2023.
Working with Other Artists
Besides her own music, Goapele has worked with many other artists. She has sung with West Coast rappers like E-40 and Zion-I. She also collaborated with Dwele and Mos Def on different songs.
Human Rights Work
Goapele is not just a singer; she is also a strong supporter of human rights. She has performed at rallies and events around the world, from Cuba to South Africa. These events aim to bring about positive change.
In 2006, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights honored Goapele. They gave her their first-ever Human Rights Cultural Hero Award. The Center praised her for staying connected to her community. They noted that she continues to work for a better future for all people. The Ella Baker Center works to create fairness, opportunities, and peace in cities across America.
Discography
Goapele has released several studio albums and singles.
Studio Albums
- Closer (2001)
- Even Closer (2002)
- Change It All (2005)
- Break of Dawn (2011)
- Strong as Glass (2014)
- DreamSeeker (2017)
- Colours (2023)
Singles
- "Closer" (2002)
- "First Love" (2005)
- "Love Me Right" (2006)
- "Milk & Honey" (2009)
- "Victory" (featuring Hip Hop Pantsula) (2010)
- "Hey, Boy" (2014)
Guest Appearances
Goapele has also lent her voice to songs by other artists:
- Hieroglyphics – "Make Your Move" from Full Circle (2003)
- E-40 – "Show & Prove" from Breakin' News (2003)
- Aceyalone – "Moonlit Skies" from Love & Hate (2003)
- Zion I – "Life's Work" from Shadowboxing (2012)
- Cassper Nyovest – "Destiny" from "Thuto" (2017)
