And it’s affected me lyrically because the South African musicians I grew up listening to, told powerful stories that changed the world. Do your father’s South African roots ever influence your music? Yes, it influences the base lines that I’m attracted to and also the way I hear harmonies. You have a very interesting upbringing! Ultimately, how do you think it all has affected you as a performer? When do you think was the moment that you decided to be an artist? I grew up in a multi-cultural household in the bay area and my upbringing has made me always want to see different communities come together through my music and at my live shows…its one of the things that’s really gratifying for me.
#SINGER GOAPELE CLOSER TV#
Learn more about this very talented singer-songwriter in the following All Access interview: So where does this interview find you today? It finds me multi-tasking and preparing for a TV audition.
There are upbeat tracks mixed with powerful ballads, hard-hitting drums, classic Goapele vocals and even a duet with one of R&B’s top artists. Goapele’s (pronounced gwa-puh-lay) latest and fourth album, “Strong As Glass” was released late last year via BMG Primary Wave / Skyblaze Recordings and it features her single “Hey Boy” which was produced by Keith Harris, known for hits like “Meet Me Halfway” ( Black Eyed Peas) and “American Boy” (Estelle). She also worked with R&B veteran Eric Benet and producer Demonte Posey to finish this genre-bending record. This Oakland native and former Berklee College of Music student has continued to grow as artist and live performer in the eleven years since her debut. As an eloquent singer-songwriter, she completed her first release “Closer” in 2001 and never looked back. Goapele is currently recording her sixth album, slated to release later this year.Goapele is known for seamlessly blending genres while refusing to be limited by any one. Most recently Goapele has focused on broadening her platform by hosting the “Closer Conversations “series on IG live, where she interviews her most inspirational friends in entertainment and activism, as they talk about: Passion, purpose and the journey in these uncertain times. Her passion has led her to become involved in the Movement For Black Lives, The Agape Spiritual Center and more.
An advocate for healthy living, she has been the face of several public health campaigns, from the California Tobacco Control Program to AIDS Health Care Foundation’s ‘Rise Above’ campaign in the US and South Africa. She has worked with multiple prison reform efforts including Common’s Imagine Justice Organization, Represent Justice, and A New Way Of Life Foundation. Outside of music and entertainment, Goapele continues to build with communities and leaders to support the call for social justice. Most recently she executive produced and starred in the art-noir, experimental short film #WhereIsBeauty. She joined the likes of Gabriel Union and Alfre Woodard in Ava DuVernay’s fashion short film for Miu Miu.
Her unique influence can be found in moments throughout R&B.Ī film and television mainstay, some of her other notable contributions have been in Honey, Power, Black Lightening, 90210 and more. That diversity comes naturally to the South African, German-Jewish, Oakland-born singer/songwriter, producer, activist, actress and designer. This delicate sonic shape-shifting is a technique she introduced on her now classic 2001 debut Closer, and has continued to evolve on the four albums that followed. In another breath, she’s guiding her child with a sensitive understanding, hard-earned wisdom, and unconditional love. In one breath, Goapele is urging social change and boldly standing up for righteousness in the face of inequality.
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