Maleh captivates audience with intimate Dithapelo experience at the Market Theatre

Performing to a near-capacity audience, Maleh was supported by a six-piece band and three backing vocalists, creating a layered and immersive sound. The evening unfolded with a clear artistic vision, blending music, spoken word and dance into a cohesive narrative centred on faith, identity and gratitude.

She opened the set with ‘Ke Tlo Fihla’, a track that gained widespread attention online between 2023 and 2024, amassing more than two million streams across digital platforms. The choice set a reflective tone and appeared to acknowledge the audience that contributed to the song’s success.

A recurring thread throughout the performance was gratitude. Maleh frequently reflected on the people and experiences that have shaped her journey, with particular emphasis on her faith. Following her opening number, she performed the gospel song ‘Modimo re boka wena’, dedicating it to her late grandmother, who raised her in the church and for whom the song held personal significance.

“The album is about putting God at the centre of what He’s called me to do,” Maleh told the audience.

The concert’s structure incorporated a range of cultural expressions. A baSotho Mohobelo dancer, a contemporary dancer and poet Pholositswe, who opened both halves of the show, contributed to the programme. These elements underscored a strong sense of African identity while maintaining the spiritual themes that run through Dithapelo.

Among the guest performers was Mzizi, who joined Maleh on the title track. He introduced the segment with the hymn “Thapelo Tsa Rona”, aligning with the song’s reflective tone. Their duet built into an evocative performance that drew a strong response from the audience.

The ensemble also featured a West African instrumentalist playing the tama, or talking drum, adding rhythmic depth and texture. The instrument’s tonal qualities echoed patterns found in African languages, reinforcing the show’s emphasis on cultural continuity and connection.

Another highlight came from Michelle ka Ndikhoyo, who performed alongside Maleh on ‘Ndivile’. The collaboration created a quiet, intimate moment within the broader production, marked by restrained delivery and emotional intensity.

Maleh closed the evening with selections from her earlier catalogue, including ‘Chimsoro’ and ‘Moloki’, alongside newer material such as ‘Bula Ditsela’. The final segment brought a more uplifting energy, concluding a performance that moved between introspection and celebration.

Framed as a once-off live experience, the concert offered a personal insight into Maleh’s artistic and spiritual outlook, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.