Relebogile Mabotja Unveils “Still Me – Live,” a Raw Take on Her Debut EP
In 2025, media icon Relebogile Mabotja marked her 40th birthday with the release of her debut EP, “Still Me,” introducing audiences to her vulnerable and introspective side. Now, she has returned with “Still Me – Live,” a stripped-down, live version that amplifies the emotional honesty of the original project. This live rendition emphasizes raw expression and intimacy, inviting listeners to experience the music in its most authentic form. By reimagining the songs with a full live band, Mabotja has created a space where jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B influences can breathe freely, highlighting the musicality that underpinned the original recordings. The project is both a reflection of personal growth and a celebration of the artistry that has defined her career.
Mabotja describes “Still Me – Live” as a journey back to self, one that was unexpectedly challenging but ultimately rewarding. The themes throughout the live EP focus on love, vulnerability, gratitude, and the acknowledgment of God and the legacy of those who came before her. She emphasizes that healing and growth are often messy processes, yet they can also bring grounding, affirmation, and peace. The live recordings capture this duality, translating complex emotions into performances that feel immediate and sincere. Fans can hear the honesty in each note, making familiar songs feel newly intimate and resonant.
The live instrumentation adds a significant layer of depth to the EP, allowing Mabotja’s vocal nuances and the intricate arrangements to stand out. Fan favourites such as “Still Me,” “I’ll Find My Way,” and “Mmamogoai’s Prayer” gain renewed energy, with each performance highlighting subtle improvisations and dynamic interplay between the band and the singer. The live setting emphasizes the soul and gospel roots of her music, creating moments that feel both spiritual and grounded. Listeners are offered an experience that merges technical excellence with heartfelt storytelling, showcasing Mabotja’s ability to connect with her audience on multiple levels. This approach also allows the emotional core of the songs to shine, revealing new layers of meaning with every listen.
Mabotja credits her family and faith for providing the support and perspective that make projects like “Still Me – Live” possible. She reflects on the untainted love and resilience within everyone, describing the live recording as a reminder of this inner strength. The project demonstrates how personal experiences and artistic expression can intersect to create music that is both therapeutic for the artist and deeply affecting for listeners. Through this live reinterpretation, Mabotja not only revisits her debut EP but also transforms it into a testament to growth, healing, and self-discovery. The album captures moments of vulnerability while celebrating the triumphs of her journey.
“Still Me – Live” stands as a milestone in Relebogile Mabotja’s career, offering fans an intimate perspective on her artistry and personal evolution. By reworking her debut EP in a live setting, she has deepened the emotional impact of her music and showcased her versatility as a vocalist and performer. The project confirms her ability to blend multiple genres while maintaining authenticity, creating an experience that is both musically rich and emotionally resonant. For listeners, “Still Me – Live” is not just a performance; it is an invitation to connect with the core of Mabotja’s message and the power of music as a vehicle for healing and reflection. The live EP positions her as a dynamic force in South African music, capable of merging technical skill with profound emotional storytelling.
