Almost twenty years ago, South Africa’s Goapele Mohlabane made history as the first African woman whose music was uploaded on YouTube. The song was titled ‘First Love’. Goapele has been a song writer and singer since she was fourteen years old.
Who is Goapele?
The first thing to know about Goapele is an American South African. Yes. We said it. We identify that her father, Douglas Mohlabane fled apartheid South Africa. He came to the United States of America in the early seventies. Then he met and loved his Jewish wife and bore our star girl.
Another thing we should know about Mohlabane is that she is a dedicated activist. Well, considering that she grew up in the South African community. And that her father was an activist who fled segregation at home, it is only natural. Her fight is against racism, oppression and sexism.
South Africa’s Goapele Mohlabane created a support group at age twelve. This group was to support children like her who lived and schooled around her. She was running the support group, going to school, building her singing career and generally being her mother and father’s daughter.
Meaning?
Goapele’s mother, Noa is an American Jew who fell in love with and married a refugee African man. And had children by him. With this kind of strong mother, why would Goa not be an activist against racism, oppression and sexism?
In closing, South Africa’s Gaopele Mohlabane can sing in various, different tones and pitches but can not play any musical instruments. A typical example of you can’t win them all. And we are still very proud of her.
Who can share in the comments section below why Goapele Mohlabane is not playing any music instruments?
(we have no rights to these social media images copied)
