Maleh Opens Up About Faith, Healing, and Her New Single “Dithapelo”

SAMA-winning Afro-Soul artist Maleh is stepping into a new era with her latest single, “Dithapelo,” a song that represents both a spiritual and creative rebirth. The track beautifully blends faith, healing, and soulful artistry, while paying homage to her Basotho heritage.

In an exclusive interview with OK Mzansi Magazine, Maleh shares the heart and inspiration behind this deeply personal project, her collaboration with rising Mosotho artist Mzizi, and what fans can expect from her upcoming Untitled Basement performance on 13 December 2025.

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1. Congratulations on your new single “Dithapelo”! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what it represents for you personally?

Thank You very much. It is a personal project for me and very intimate and has been inspired by the conversations that I’ve had with myself and my Maker over the last decade.The experiences of both the loss and gain that I went through over the years brought me to a place of being on my knees and I certainly have used these experiences to try and express my awakening spiritually and enlightening about life in general and purpose and fulfilling that purpose.It is a deeply personal body of work for me.

2. The title “Dithapelo” translates to “Prayers.” How does faith and spirituality influence your songwriting and creative process?

It has been the place from which I have drawn my inspiration. My relationship with Jesus Christ and how real and significant that has become for me is the reason I wanted to share this project with people. Prayer has been a big part of my enlightenment and I wanted to capture those moments and words shared in the music.

3. You’ve described this project as a form of “artistic rebirth.” What moment or experience sparked this transformation in your career?

I think one of the main experiences that definitely pushed me into making the decision of writing songs that were gospel inspired was a near -death experience on my way to bushfire two years back. And I remember promising God that I would not fail in creating an album and a project that would invite people into the experience of love that I have received from him and that has manifested itself in my life. I think that experience was definitely one of many that has led me to this artistic rebirth creatively speaking.

4. The single features rising Mosotho artist Mzizi. How did this collaboration come about, and what unique energy did he bring to the track?

It’s been incredible and so exciting for me to work with Mzizi on this song Dithapelo. Being mosotho, as an artist, preserving our language has been a priority for me throughout my career,so it was very intentional working with Mzizi as a result of this continuous effort to promote our culture and our music. I felt it was very aligned, also the fact that we share the same faith. And so we drew our personal experiences and our personal thoughts around our spiritual enlightenment in Christ. His youthful energy can also definitely be felt in his verse on the song.

5. Sonically, “Dithapelo” blends Afro-soul, Afro-pop, and gospel influences. What was your approach to merging these genres while maintaining authenticity?

I definitely wanted to carry people along, particularly fans and supporters of my music from the beginning of who Maleh has become over the years as an artist. I wanted to express this experience of the gospel through a sound that would be familiar to them and a sound that feels at home for me as an artist.I’ve always been very open to exploring the different genres, but in particular Afro pop/soul,  jazz are the genres that I have over the years been very comfortable expressing myself in.So it was important for me to create this gospel experience in a sound sonically that would still feel at home for me and for my supporters.

6. Your Basotho heritage has always been an integral part of your music. How does that cultural identity shape your sound and message today?

Being Mosotho from Lesotho, preserving the culture, preserving the language was always a priority for me and how I wanted to express myself artistically as much as possible. I believe that there is a lot of beauty and wisdom in the way we approach life as Africans and the humility, the gentleness of the Basotho people is something that I’ve always wanted to capture through the music that I create. It is certainly something that I’m always chasing after when I get into that creative process.

7. The upcoming Untitled Basement performance is a special pre-listening concert. What can fans expect from that night — both musically and emotionally?

I’d like to think of the evening as a musical counseling session. I think it will be an opportunity for people to unpack emotionally and we will let the music lead the deep spiritual experience. Sharing new music is my most favorite part of bring an artist.

8. Performing at the Untitled Basement is such an intimate setting. Why was that venue chosen for this next chapter of your journey?

Untitled Basement is one of my favorite venues to perform at especially when you are looking for the kind of atmosphere that really allows people In. I love sharing what I am working on with my closest friends and family even before it is ready to be put out and essentially that is what this evening will be about. Letting the fans in on a special sneak pre-listen of the music.

9. You’ve partnered with Bassline for this release and new phase of your career. How has that collaboration supported or influenced your artistic vision?

It’s been absolutely incredible working with Bassline as a company that has invested so much over the years in the development and the improvement of musical experiences in South Africa and musical experiences of the artists creating the music in this industry.I am feeling so blessed to have this collaboration with Bassline at this season and chapter of my career and I’ve been extremely supported by the entire team.I’m very much looking forward to the work that we will do together in the next coming years.

10. You’ve achieved incredible milestones — from a SAMA win to international recognition. What lessons from those experiences have shaped the artist you are today?

I have learned that the music and the gift it offers to others is what comes first and is the priority of the entire experience. Accolades have only been an encouragement for the work I do and the music I am a part of matters and courts.

11. The world has changed a lot since your debut. How do you stay grounded and inspired in a fast-evolving music industry?

I always allow the Holy Spirit to lead where inspiration is concerned and I always trust the music and sounds that come to me. Evolution and trends are important and great because it is moving, but I always just focus more on how the music is revealed to me at any given time and trust that what I am given in whatever genre or style or sound is what I am meant to share at that moment in my life.

12. Your music often carries messages of love, healing, and reflection. What message do you hope listeners take away from “Dithapelo” specifically?

I hope people learn how to pray, that it is not complicated and to learn to trust in God and to know that He hears every one and that He is always present.

13. As an artist with such a rich legacy, how do you balance nostalgia for your past successes with the excitement of new creative directions?

I try to always remain authentic to where I am at and always follow what I feel and how I feel led to express myself.

14. Lastly, what can fans expect from your upcoming album, also titled Dithapelo? Are there particular themes or collaborations you can tease?

It will be a beautiful gospel experience in the sound of the Maleh people have always loved.  Collaborations are a special surprise but will definitely be a beautiful experience on the project for listeners.