Relebogile Mabotja returns to her first love with bold and soulful EP Still Me
There are artists who dabble. And then there’s Relebogile Mabotja.
Actress. Radio host. Producer. Interviewer. Content creator. And now — once again — musician.
On Thursday, 26 February, inside the buzzing halls of Primedia’s Johannesburg offices, Relebogile officially stepped back into the space she calls her “first love” with the launch of her debut EP, Still Me. And judging by the room — filled with industry heavyweights like Lira, Brenda Mtambo, RJ Benjamin, Berita and Nothemba Madumo — this wasn’t just another industry event. It was a statement.
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Owning every gift
On Instagram, Relebogile described the project as a journey of self-liberation, a shedding of fear and insecurity.
“What started as liberation from the shackles of my own fears has evolved into owning all my gifts,” she shared.
That theme pulses through Still Me. It’s not just a title, it’s a declaration.
The five-track live EP feels intentional and intimate. It doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it invites you in.
She collaborated closely with RJ Benjamin, who both featured on and produced I Feel Nothing, while much of the EP was shaped by producer Chadwin Alexander. The result? A sound that feels classic yet fresh, rooted in soul, but confidently modern.
The sound: familiar, but hers
Listening to the lead single Still Me and the tender You’re the Only One, you might catch subtle echoes of vintage soul influences, the kind that once dominated Sunday afternoon radio. There are moments that gently nod toward the emotional depth of Mimi Mtshali and the timeless smoothness of Anita Baker, but never in a way that feels imitative.
This is Relebogile’s voice. Clear. Controlled. Confident.
The live arrangements add warmth, while the backing vocalists deserve their own applause. Their harmonies lift the project, creating a rich, layered experience that feels almost cinematic.
Then comes I Feel Nothing, upbeat, playful, and slightly cheeky. Her confident “Ah-ah” cuts through the rhythm like a wink to the listener. It’s a moving-on anthem without the bitterness.
And just when you think you’ve figured out the vibe, she closes with Mmamogoai’s Prayer, a gospel-leaning surprise that showcases her vocal range and spiritual depth. It’s unexpected and that’s precisely what makes it powerful.
Not her first time around
While this may be her first official body of work, Relebogile is no stranger to music. Through her company, Lebotja Media, she previously lent her voice to the theme song of Afro Café on SABC 2.
Music has always been there, quietly waiting.
The all-rounder who keeps evolving
What makes this return fascinating is context.
Relebogile has built a strong reputation as a thoughtful interviewer and media personality. Her YouTube platform is often described by guests as a “safe space.” Media figures like Dineo Ranaka and Siyabonga Ngwekazi have publicly praised her ability to ask meaningful, probing questions.
In an industry where reinvention can feel forced, her return to music feels organic — like someone finally allowing themselves to stand fully in their light.
And if her social media is anything to go by, she’s doing it while living boldly. Between studio sessions and media appearances, she’s also been travelling, recently partnering on a trip to Mozambique in February 2026. As fans jokingly put it online: she’s “catching flights, not feelings.”
More than just a comeback
Still Me isn’t loud. It doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it whispers with confidence.
In a local music scene that often rewards spectacle, Relebogile has chosen vulnerability. And sometimes, that’s the boldest move of all.
If this EP is anything to go by, she’s not trying to prove anything.
She’s simply reminding us, she’s still her.
And that’s more than enough.
Source: The South African
Featured Image: X{@sapr_africa}
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