PJ Powers

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Penelope Jane Dunlop also known as PJ Powers or Thandeka (16 July 1960 - ) has enjoyed a highly successful musical career in South Africa spanning more than 15 years, during which time she has been one of the few white entertainers who has crossed cultural barriers and been loved by both black and white audiences alike. P.J. Powers has recorded 15 albums and is well known for her UK chart hit World In Union (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) in 1995.

[edit] Early life and career

Penelope born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal joined the all-girl group called Pantha as front singer when it was formed in 1979. She later became the lead singer for the rock band Hotline, which formed in Johannesburg in 1980. The band changed their style to afro-rock in 1983. Hotline disbanded in 1987. PJ Powers then started her solo career.

[edit] Solo career

1988 saw PJ banned from radio and TV for a year by the apartheid government for her performance at a charity concert for war orphans in Zimbabwe, together with Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte. She was encouraged to continue her singing by Nelson Mandela, who sent her an encouraging letter from Victor Verster Prison in Cape Town.

In 1995, she had a hit on the UK charts, together with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, with the song World in Union which she sang at the opening of the Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg for an audience of millions from around the world.

In the '90s her music took on a more Afro-pop focus, finding a receptive audience in the black market, and she took on the nickname Thandeka, "the loved one".

Some of her biggest hits like Jabulani she wrote herself, together with Feel so strong, You're so good to me, There is an answer, and Home to Africa, reflecting her patriotism. PJ has shared the stage with Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Hugh Masekela, Divine Divas, Lord Richard Attenborough, Richard E. Grant, Sibongile Khumalo, Janet Suzman and other big names. PJ sang for Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. She sang at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela and at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. PJ collaborated with Vicky Sampson, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and M'du Masilela for the music video flighted at the United Nation¹s Assembly in Washington DC and in Greece. PJ also wrote an 85th birthday song for Mandela, which she sang for him and guests including Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey at his party in 2003.

[edit] Honors and awards

  • 2000 Nelson Mandela presented Powers with a commemorative limited edition gold coin
  • Appointed a South African Tourism Ambassador
  • June 2003 the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation honoured her and singer Sibongile Khumalo with their prestigious annual award, promoting reconciliation by "singing people together"
  • September 2003 food chain Pick 'n Pay nominated her as one of their "Stars of Charity" for having "made a difference in uplifting the youth of South Africa"

Powers has been extensively involved with the Reach For a Dream Foundation, as well as the Hamlet Foundation. She was commissioned by the President's office to write and perform a song for the Children's Rights Commission.

In 2004 she was voted 93rd in the Top 100 Great South Africans.