Maleh to launch Dithapelo album with live concert in Joburg

The performance will mark the first full live presentation of Dithapelo, an album set for release in March, following the lead single that was released in November.

Maleh, whose music draws on Afro-soul, Afro-pop and gospel influences rooted in her Basotho heritage, has built a career spanning group and solo work. She first gained prominence as a member of the Afro-pop group Kaya before establishing herself as a solo artist. Her debut solo album, Step Child, earned her a South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best African Adult Album.

Ahead of its official release, Dithapelo accumulated more than 150 000 streams, indicating early listener interest. Singles from the album, including ‘Dithapelo’, ‘Baba’ and ‘Umusa’, have received editorial playlist support across several major streaming platforms. Spotify placements have included New Music Friday South Africa, New Music Friday Naija, New Music Friday Ghana, EQUAL Africa, Lehlaso, Afro & Soul and Made in South Africa. On Apple Music, tracks from the album have featured on Mzansi Soul, New Music Daily and New in Gospel playlists.

“This album is an offering. I wanted to invite people into my personal conversations with my Maker, the Most High God, my prayers set to music,” Maleh said. “Sonically, the work remains soulful, but it carries more depth, more stillness, and more truth.”

She added that the project represents “the most honest music I’ve ever made”, shaped by reflection, surrender and renewal.

The Market Theatre concert follows a period of renewed activity for the artist, who returned from a creative hiatus in 2022 with the album Lerato Laka. That release earned her a Basadi Women in Music Award and marked her re-entry into the recording and performance circuit.

Maleh’s career has included international recognition, notably with the single ‘You Make My Heart Go’, which charted across Africa and Europe and was listed by The Guardian as one of the top African songs of its year. She has also performed alongside international artists including Angie Stone, Tamia, Keri Hilson and the late Oliver Mtukudzi.

Tickets for the Dithapelo album launch concert are available through Webtickets.