Media personality Relebogile Mabotja has full embraced the music scene with new EP 'Still Me'.
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Media powerhouse Relebogile Mabotja has taken a bold step into music with the release of her debut EP, “Still Me”.
The project dropped in celebration of her 40th birthday on September 5 and marks a new chapter for the multi-talented entertainer.
While “Still Me” is her first official body of work, Mabotja is no stranger to music. The radio host has been shaping the industry for years through her voice, compositions and production work.
She is the voice behind the theme songs of Africa Magic and the Lotto anthem “One Day is One Day”.
Her contribution to The African Alphabet earned her a South African Music Awards (Sama) nomination in 2010, and in 2011, she won a Sama for Best Kiddies Album with African Treehouse.
Mabotja later composed music for SABC 2’s “You Belong” rebrand, worked on the title music for music show "Afro Café", "Nedbank’s Ke Yona: Making the Team", "Making Moves" and "Sunday Chillas".
In addition to performing, she has also served as a producer and musical director on major shows.
Announcing the release on Instagram, Mabotja described the EP as a gift to herself and a way of honouring every part of her creative expression at 40.
“‘Still Me’ is my birthday gift to myself, my first musical offering. I've never allowed myself to be this exposed, and today, I do so proudly.”
She explained that the songs were first created in 2020 during lockdown, a time when she felt free to make music without worrying about outside opinions.
“I’ve sat with this music for years, battling perfectionism and fear of being this vulnerable. But turning 40 means honouring myself beyond fear, beyond pressure, beyond the need for validation,” she wrote.
“Still Me” was produced by Chadwin Alexander and features five songs; the closing track is a medley of hymns that many South Africans grew up with, while the rest of the project carries a jazzy sound with gospel touches.
Lyrically, the EP focuses on themes of self-discovery, love, and letting go. Mabotja also includes one collaboration, which sees her joining forces with singer RJ Benjamin, who has previously worked with her.
More than just a musical debut, “Still Me” represents courage and self-expression for Mabotja.
“Most of all, I’m proud my son gets to watch his mom live fully, doing everything she loves,” she shared.
As an artist, she is coming full circle, returning to her first love of music while showing a new side of her artistry to audiences who have known her for years.