PJ POWERS SAYS “I GOT FAITH”
South African music legend, PJ Powers, affectionately known as Thandeka, is making musical waves with her powerful new single, I Got Faith.
The song is a collaboration between her and two talented young South African musicians; Mpho Skiveasy Mathibela (Skiv) and Cash Sizwesakhe (Cash).
Skiv and Cash are two friends from Pretoria who caught PJ’s attention with their passion for music, their upbeat positivity and their fresh sound. She invited them into a studio session with her and that’s where the magic happened and I Got Faith was born.
“I’m extremely excited about this song,” says Powers. “Skiv and Cash are just so talented, and like me, believe that we need to be positive, and celebrate the good things in each other, in ourselves and in our country. The song’s icon depicts the “Sunshine In My Soul” that the song refers to, and that we can all choose to have. I believe negativity drains your ability to act and to facilitate change. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world or in your life, we can all choose to spiral up and not down”
PJ Powers has a musical career that spans more than 3 decades. Of the numerous awards and accolades that she has received over the years, being awarded a South African Living Legend award for her outstanding contribution to South African music, probably best sums up why she remains as popular and beloved today as she always has been. Her music continues to represent the colourful mosaic that make up the people of South Africa, crossing barriers of age, race and language.
She was voted one of the Top Ten People Brands in SA in 2011 and her love and positive commitment to the success of this country continues to show in everything she does whether it’s as an awarding winning performer, internationally acclaimed songwriter and musician, published author, motivational speaker or philanthropist.
I Got Faith is available on all music platforms.
#igotfaith, #IGF, #sunshineinmysoul
PJ, Skiv and Cash were interviewed and performed the single on SABC’s Full View on Friday 3 May – click here to view:
Music career
PJ Powers has attained 12 gold discs and 7 platinum and continues to shine both as a solo artist, and through collaborations with distinguished artists such as the late HHP (“Jabulani” hip hop version), Sfiso Ncwane (“There is An Answer” remix) and Steve Kekana (“Feel So Strong” original).
PJ Powers has shared the stage with many local and international stars such as Eric Clapton, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Joan Armatrading, The Corrs, Mike and the Mechanics, Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, the Mahotella Queens, Youssou N Dour, Miriam Makeba, Susan Boyle, Harry Belafonte, to name but a few.
Spencer Proffer, acclaimed Hollywood Music Producer, is currently working with her on a collaboration project with two highly acclaimed American legends.
She sang at the Inauguration of President Mandela (who saw her as symbol of unity in this country) and was also commissioned to write a song for him and perform it at his 85th birthday. She has performed for numerous Heads of State, including Bill and Hilary Clinton, Queen Elizabeth of England, King Juan of Spain, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, to name but a few.
PJ and SA Rugby
PJ’s connection to South African Rugby is strong, having started in 1995 when Nelson Mandela personally asked her to perform “World in Union” with Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final. The song went on to become a hit on the UK charts and remains one of the most popular and downloaded versions of it today and, will no doubt, continue with the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Honours and Awards
PJ Powers received numerous honours and awards throughout her career. These are some highlights received over the last few years:
- 2004: She was voted in the Top 100 Outstanding South Africans
- 2006: The Department of Justice gave PJ Powers the award for Peace and Reconciliation which is given to Individuals who bring South Africans together in 2006.
- 2007: PJ was awarded “The Children’s Choice” award for having “made a difference in uplifting the youth of South Africa”. She has also been a tourism ambassador for South Africa, and has been given the Freedom of the City in Mozambique.
- 2008: The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation honoured her and singer Sibongile Khumalo with their prestigious annual award, promoting reconciliation for bringing people together.
- 2011: She was voted one of the top ten people brands in South Africa
- 2013: PJ was honoured with a Living Legends awards (the Department of Arts & Culture) for outstanding contribution towards South African music
- 2015: PJ was awarded with the Bull & Bear Award by the South African Stock Exchange together with Dennis Goldstein, the longest living member of the Rivonia Trialists
- 2016: PJ and President Kgalema Motlanthe were both awarded the JM Busha Award for their contribution towards democracy and harmony
- 2017: PJ was honoured with the SOS Humanitarian Award at the Green Ambassador’s Guild Awards in Zimbabwe
- 2018: PJ received the Luminary Award from Michael House in recognition of her decade-long contribution to original South African music.
- 2018: PJ was honoured in the Performance and Celebration field at the inaugural Usiba awards hosted by Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa.
