Goapele
Category: Events Calendar
Date and Time
- Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
Location
Blue Note Los Angeles
6372 Sunset Blvd
Details
Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave.
