Goapele Mohlabane

Goapele is a poet and musician who is known for her natural sound. Her breakout out hit "Closer" showed what she was capable of. Her songs are like poetry. When you hear them there is not one person who cannot relate to what she says. If she is talking about love or describing her dreams you've been there.

Born Goapele Mohlabane in Oakland, CA, Goapele grew up in a politically active family. Her mother met Douglas Mohlabane while studying in Nairobi, Kenya and married. It was "Love at first sight," Mrs. Mohlabane said. Goapele, at an very young age, went to the Berkeley Arts Magnet School where she led her own teen support group.

Critics from Rolling Stone and Billboard, just to name a few, loved her music and said she was "one of the best new artists around." Her album "Even Closer" was ahead of it's time. Her first single that hit the market was "Closer" and was called the inspirational indie hit of the year. It was #1 on radios from San Francisco to Baton Rouge. After its a release in 2001, and four years later, in 2005, it was #1 on Detroit's largest hip hop station.

Goapele means "to move forward". Sure enough this is what she is doing. Even though she is underground hip hop she is one of the most inspiring artists I know. Her words are like poetry. When the music comes on it makes history in my ears. Goapele is one of my heroes because she is creative, artistic and one of the most talented artists around. She is the underground Lauryn Hill. She is ambitious and I love her music.