Maleh to Perform at Bassline Fest
On Saturday, May 23rd, Lesotho-born South African Afro-soul artist Maleh will perform on the “Say Africa” stage at Bassline Fest, held at Constitution Hill’s People’s Park in Johannesburg. She will share headline billing with Vusi Mahlasela and Ami Faku.
Early Connection to Bassline
For Maleh, born Malehloka Hlalele, this performance represents a return to a significant location. She began her career working at the Bassline venue during its early years in Newtown, Johannesburg, as an intern.
“I actually started out in Johannesburg working at Bassline when it was still a rehearsal space in Newtown,” she stated. “I was a young intern at the time, learning the industry from behind the scenes… but I always found myself drawn to what was happening downstairs on stage, wishing I could be the one performing.”
She noted that returning as a headlining artist is emotionally resonant. “Coming back now as a headline artist feels quite emotional. When I’m on that stage, I just want people to understand that it’s been a long journey.”
Artistic Development
Born in Maseru, Lesotho in 1984, Maleh moved to South Africa at the age of five. She has discussed how navigating different languages and cultures between Lesotho and South Africa influenced her artistic identity and interest in African languages.
Her early musical exposure came through her father’s band and artists including Ray Charles, The Commodores, and Lucky Dube. She also cited Lesotho band Sankomota as a formative influence, highlighting the impact of hearing Sesotho lyrics in contemporary music.
Maleh’s initial public performances included busking with her siblings outside the Maseru Sun Hotel. She later joined the Afro-pop group Khaya, which received a Metro FM Award for Best Newcomer in 2005 and provided her with early live performance experience.
Independent Path and Recent Work
As a solo artist, Maleh achieved critical acclaim with ‘Step Child’ (2011) and ‘You Make My Heart Go’, both of which won the South African Music Award (SAMAs) for Best African Adult Album. She has since identified operating independently as a key accomplishment.
She now manages her own label, Psalms Productions, through which she released ‘Lerato Laka’ (2022) and her latest project, Dithapelo. She stated that this move challenged perceptions about success in the South African music industry.
“Early in my career, I was made to believe that success outside of a major label wasn’t really possible,” she said. “Stepping into my own label has completely challenged that idea.”
Dithapelo, meaning “prayers” in Sesotho, explores themes of spirituality, faith, and introspection, representing a shift from her earlier work focused on romantic subjects. She described the album as a personal exploration of prayer and her faith.
“Dithapelo is one of my most personal projects,” she said. “It comes from a very intimate place… my own prayers, conversations with God, and a search for deeper meaning.”
The album features singles including ‘Dithapelo’ and ‘Bula Ditsela’, with ‘Baba’ scheduled for radio release on May 15th.
Bassline Fest Details
Bassline Fest, now in its 20th year, is part of Africa Day celebrations and will feature a diverse lineup of artists. In addition to Maleh, Mahlasela, and Faku, the festival will include performances by Yugen Blakrok, Brandon Aura, and winners of the Rhythmic Clash talent search.
Maleh reflected on longevity and artistic integrity, particularly for emerging artists. “The most important thing I’ve learned is staying true to who you are,” she said. “Authenticity is what sustains you in the long run.”
Bassline Fest will take place on Saturday, May 23rd at Constitution Hill’s People’s Park in Johannesburg.
