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The energy inside the room was thick with more than just music; it was a collective exhale. As Relebogile Mabotja took the stage for the launch of her new EP, Still Me – Live, I couldn't help but notice how she immediately commanded the space. But this wasn't just a professional showcase; it was a homecoming.
Known to many as a powerhouse broadcaster, actress, and producer, Relebogile Mabotja used this live performance to strip away the titles and reveal the vessel underneath. From soaring vocal runs that paid homage to South African legends to the quiet, trembling vulnerability of her original tracks, the evening was a masterclass in perfect imperfection.
The accidental Live EP
Interestingly, Still Me – Live wasn't a calculated industry move. During the post-performance Q&A, Mabotja revealed that the recording happened almost by mistake.
"We were supposed to do a radio performance. There was a technical issue, and being the perfectionist I am, I said, 'Why don’t we just record it in the studio?' It just was meant to be."
For Relebogile, the live format offers a "different flavour" that a sterile studio environment can’t replicate. As a self-described live-stage performer who has often struggled with the repetitive nature of studio recording, this EP captures her at her most natural: improv-heavy, soulful, and deeply connected to the band.
A journey of remembering
The theme of the night was identity. Mabotja spoke candidly about how the project served as a de-influencing process, a chance to stop seeking external validation and listen to her own internal compass. She described the EP as a declaration of devotion, heavily influenced by her faith and the biblical significance of "40" (a nod to her own milestone birthday).
The most emotional moments of the night came when she performed a song for her late grandmother, who passed at 96, and later spoke of her. "She was my safe space," Relebogile shared, recounting stories of a woman who could “klap” a harasser one moment and cook a three-course meal for a stranger the next. It is this blend of strength and softness that Relebogile strives to carry in her own life.
Navigating the ugly side of healing
The event didn't shy away from the heavy. An audience member asked how to navigate grief while pursuing dreams. Relebogile’s response was characteristically candid: sit in it.
"Forget the language of naming everything, 'I'm avoidant,' 'that's a narcissist.' Sit with what you are feeling without trying to explain it. It’s going to be ugly... but as a woman, if you go long periods without crying, you get sick."
The Verdict
If you listen to only one track, let it be Still Me. It is a hauntingly beautiful summary of a woman who has navigated the heights of South African media while fighting to keep her inner child "untainted."
As the night wrapped up, it was clear that Relebogile Mabotja is no longer just a visitor in the house of South African music; she’s the one opening the fridge and inviting us all to the table. And, in case you get an invite to see her perform live, our advice? Go!
Still Me – Live is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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