PJ Powers | |
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| Also known as | Thandeka |
| Born | Penelope Jane Dunlop (1960-07-16)16 July 1960 (age 65) |
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| Occupation | Musician |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Formerly of | Pantha, Hotline |
| Website | www |
PJ Powers (born Penelope Jane Dunlop,[1] 16 July 1960, Durban) is a South African singer and performer. She became a household name in southern Africa after the widespread success of the song “Jabulani”. When she played at the Jabulani Amphitheatre in 1983 she was hailed by the crowd with the name “Thandeka”. On the stage she drank from acalabash as part of the performance to the delight of the audience.World in Union 95, theLadysmith Black Mambazo version featuring PJ Powers, became an international hit record in 1995. It reached no. 47 in the UK singles charts.
PJ Powers garnered attention for her human rights advocacy, philanthropy,[2] and activism against apartheid.[3]
PJ Powers was born inDurban,Province of Natal (now inKwaZulu-Natal), South Africa on 16 July 1960.[4] Her singing career kicked off in 1979 when she became the lead singer of an all female group called Pantha. It disbanded after a year. PJ Powers went on to front a new band, Hotline. Their sound, afro-pop fusion music framing PJ Powers' distinctive voice, attracted an expanded, cross cultural fan base.
The band lasted for seven years and produced some of the biggest South African hits of the 1980s. The formula of young, energetic musicians performing vibrant music in all areas was well accepted by their youthful target audience. PJ was then given the name Thandeka, meaning "Loved One", by the people of South Africa, a name she continued to hold true to her heart. Hotline took music to the people. This increased their popularity and grew their fan base in the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.
Combining music that people could dance to with messages of hope and reconciliation was different to what was played on the radio at the time. “You're So Good to Me” (1982), written by PJ Powers, was her first big hit. Powers followed up by writing more hits, including "I Feel So Strong" (1983 duet withSteve Kekana), "Home to Africa" (1985), and "There is an Answer" (1986).
Hotline disbanded in 1987 and subsequently Powers pursued a solo career.
1988: PJ Powers was banned from radio and TV for a year by theapartheid government for her performance at a charity concert for war orphans inZimbabwe, along withMiriam Makeba andHarry Belafonte. She was encouraged to continue her singing byNelson Mandela, who sent her an encouraging letter fromVictor Verster Prison inCape Town.
1990: Powers's music developed the Afropop genre further, cementing her receptive audience in the black market.
1995: The Ladysmith Black Mambazo recording "World in Union" (feat P J Powers) reached no. 47 on the UK Singles Chart. She performed the song live at the opening of theRugby World Cup in Cape Town for a worldwide television audience.
PJ Powers has shared the stage withEric Clapton,Joan Armatrading,Hugh Masekela,Divine Divas, LordRichard Attenborough,Richard E. Grant,Sibongile Khumalo,Janet Suzman and others. She sang forQueen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom,King Juan Carlos of Spain,Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela. She collaborated withVicky Sampson,Yvonne Chaka Chaka andM'du Masilela for the music video flighted at theUnited Nations Assembly in Washington, D.C., and in Greece.
2009: Powers' recording of "World in Union" was featured in theAcademy Award–nominated film,Invictus.
2019: SongwriterDon Clarke and PJ Powers performedSanbonani, which he wrote, together on the Legends Stage atSplashy Fen, 33 years after Powers won the SABC Song for South Africa competition with this song.[5]
Powers has been extensively involved with theReach For a Dream Foundation, as well as theHamlet Foundation. She was commissioned by the President's office to write and perform a song for the Children's Rights Commission.
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