From pain to praise: Maleh brings spiritual rebirth to Constitution Hill

Acclaimed Lesotho-born vocalist Maleh is set to take the stage at Bassline Fest 2026, performing fresh material from her highly anticipated new album following its mid-March release.

Celebrated for her captivating stage presence and genre-defying sound, Maleh has entered a bold new phase of her career. Her recent hit single, Dithapelo, serves as the cornerstone of this artistic and spiritual rebirth, offering audiences a more intimate and profound expression of her craft.

A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND LANGUAGE

The upcoming Afro-gospel album is the culmination of years of personal reflection. Maleh describes the project as a natural progression from her well-known love songs to a deeper exploration of divine love.

"I’ve been working on this Afro-gospel album for a couple of years... It was inspired by some difficult seasons I went through over the past 19 years, moments that pushed me to my knees and led me into deeper, more honest conversations with God through prayer," Maleh explained.

A central element of her artistry remains her commitment to her heritage. Although she did not grow up in Lesotho, Maleh has intentionally incorporated Sesotho into her music to connect with her roots.

"That journey brought me closer to my culture and the people I come from," she said.

"As an African artist, I love blending sounds from different cultures because it reminds us that, across the continent, we’re more alike than we often realise."

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RECENT SUCCESSES

The artist has already seen a warm reception for her latest singles:

Dithapelo (Prayers): Released last November, this track features rising Mosotho artist Mzizi and serves as a reflection on healing and transformation.

Baba: A song centred on gratitude and the closeness found in a father’s love.

THE IRONY OF CONSTITUTION HILL

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Maleh noted the powerful symbolism of performing at Constitution Hill.

She finds a beautiful irony in celebrating African freedom at a venue that once stood as a site of oppression for black people.

"What was once a place of pain and sorrow has, generations later, become a space for celebration and reflection," she noted.

"For me, launching a gospel album there is especially meaningful because the gospel is fundamentally about freedom through Jesus Christ."

RETURNING TO THE BASSLINE STAGE

This marks Maleh’s second appearance at Bassline Fest, a platform she regards as one of the city's premier celebrations of African-inspired sounds.

She credits the festival's longevity and the "Bassline" brand for fostering an environment where South African musicians can be truly authentic.

"Many of us have so many memories tied to the name... for me, it is incredible to have the opportunity to be considered part of a festival of this calibre," she concluded.