For a woman whose name means ‘to go forward’ in Setswana, the South African language of her grandmother, Goapele is instinctively living up to her moniker. Born July 11, 1977 (age 33) Oakland, California, United States. The Oakland, California-based songstress broke onto the Bay Area music scene in 2001 with the ethereal Even Closer (Skyblaze Records) an indie masterpiece which went on to sell an unprecedented number of units, largely based on the success of the smash hit single “Closer.” The album’s mix of soulful grooves and thought-provoking lyrics introduced the world to a multi-faceted artist and songwriter, known as much for her social and political activism as for her lush romantic ballads. The poised chanteuse delivered testimony-driven, emotionally aching yet uplifting and candidly charged classic cuts to soul music junkies seeking organic spirit stirring vocals and raw bass lines. Goapele brilliantly experimented with skillful compositions and heart wrenching harmonies while the songs showcased the singer/songwriter’s impeccable ability to mix classic soul with rhythm and blues along with new-age funk, dripping with sensuality, instantly garnering her respect for skillfully uniting hip-hop, jazz, R&B and melodic soul. Critics from every major media outlet hailed the songstress as “the next musical icon” and heralded Even Closer as an album ahead of its time.
Her signature of throaty moans and nostalgic lyrical poetry evoke all things old yet somehow manages to be refreshingly new. While she garnered the support of music critics and fans, a host of fellow musicians and celebrities—including Mos Def, Kanye West, Magic Johnson, Prince and Stevie Wonder—came under the spell of her music, style and sensibility and called her in various words “The next big artist to watch.” Erykah Badu voted Even Closer as the most creative and innovative albums for the 2003 ShortList Music Project and exclaimed, «Goapele you Shine! I love you. I’m pleased that you demonstrate True Jedi, and the music is beautiful too.”Goapele’s newest project, Milk & Honey is poised to take her to an even higher level.
This time around the Oakland soloist, with the voice of silk and smoke, is going bigger. “With this third album I’ve pushed myself to sing more outside my comfort zone,” Goapele reflects. “I’m not afraid to belt or be more sensual and intimate vocally.” At Prince’s suggestion she even started recording alone to capture her most honest emotions and inflections, unfettered by self-censorship. You’ll be surprised to hear the sultry power that emerged.
Her name, Goapele, is just as intriguing as her music/This arresting set organically mixes R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and electronica in introspective, candid songs that colorfully reflect this soulful sista’s diverse range and life experiences….Goapele’s smoky, sensual voice is a beacon that shines on a set that wisely steers clear of overproduction. While calling to mind such influences as Nina Simone and Sade, this classic chanteuse-in-the-making is definitely her own woman of substance.
