#MusicExchange: Behind the music with SA music legend PJ Powers

Her career started in the 1980s as the lead singer of Hotline. Her solo career flourished during the 1990s and 2000s with hits such as “There is Answer”, “Feel So Strong”, “Jabulani”, “You’re So Good To Me” and “World in Union”, which has become an iconic Rugby World Cup song.

Her most recent hits include chart-topping singles such as “Destiny”, “Stay” and a rework of “There Is An Answer”, a collaboration with Sfiso Ncwane.

I caught up with her last week.

The new decade means:

My third act.

Fame is about:

Keeping it real – take your craft seriously but not yourself. Divas don’t do it for me.

Retirement will happen when:

When it happens –long-term projection scares the hell out of me.

I don't do:

Narcissists. They embody everything I try not to be!

What does music mean to you?

I’ve broadened my offerings to include public speaking, inspirational podcasts and skills coaching but music will always be part of who I am.

My music is about:

I don’t do boxes – each song speaks for itself.

I would love to co-write with: 

I am busy with new and exciting collaborations, but I would love to write with Mike Rutherford from Mike and the Mechanics and Genesis.

The song you must do in every show:

There are a few – “Feel So Strong”, “There Is An Answer”, “World in Union” and, of course, “Jabulani” (tried to leave it out once but it didn’t go down well with the audience!).

Any funny moments on stage:

Yes – being introduced and running in from the wings, leaping into the air and going right through the stage!

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I can’t answer that – I admire a single mother living in an informal settlement as much as I do Bill Gates – the spectrum is too vast.

What is your most treasured possession?

The cygnet ring from my mum.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Sparkling mineral water!

Dream gig to do:

The Royal Albert Hall/Radio City Music Hall.

What makes you stand out?

My height! I’m six foot.

Nicknames:

Thandeka, P and ‘hey’!

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Bounce off the walls.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Generous, kind, driven, wise and intolerant.

Some favourite SA songs:

“Weeping”, “Paradise Road”, “Good Black President”, “Pata Pata” and “Asimbonanga”.

What is your favourite word?

Please and thank you.

Favourite fashion garment:

Anything by Homework.

Top of your bucket list:

Japan.

What do you complain about most often?

Money (Covid).

What is your fear?

Ill health.

Happiness is:

Happiness is being present and in the moment.

On stage, I tend to?

Fart?

Where would you like to be right now?

Right where I am.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

I have been an activist since I was 18 and work with Khulisa Social Solutions.

Wishes and dreams:

For life to return to normal and for people to stop dying and for us all to learn from this dreadful pandemic.

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