The former Freshlyground frontwoman explores personal growth, freedom and musical reinvention in the latest release from her forthcoming album, People Power.
South Africa (18 October 2026) – South African singer-songwriter Zolani Mahola is inviting listeners into a new chapter of her life with A Good Time, the third single from her forthcoming album, People Power, expected in 2027.
Warm, sensual and driven by an infectious groove, the song captures the feeling of coming through a period of profound personal change and finding yourself open to life again.
The track began with its chorus before Mahola took it into the studio with London-based, Grammy-nominated producer Hannah V, who produced the forthcoming album. Its central line, “You picked a good time to meet me,” reflects the lessons Mahola says she learnt following the end of her long-term relationship.
“I was opening up to life in a new way,” she explains, describing the song as a celebration of the personal work she had done and the possibilities ahead.
That sense of rediscovery extends beyond her personal life. After spending 17 years as the distinctive voice of pan-African band Freshlyground, Mahola has been exploring what it means to reclaim her identity as a solo artist.
During her time with the band, she toured internationally, collaborated with celebrated musicians and performed alongside Shakira on the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
Now, she is embracing a broader musical palette, with People Power bringing together different genres, cultural influences and stories.
The album’s earlier singles, XhosaNostra and AmaXhosa, explored Xhosa identity through a bold, Gqom-influenced sound. A Good Time offers a different mood, showing that Mahola is not interested in recreating the sound that first made her famous.
“There’s a joy in being able to use all of the colours available to us when we paint,” she says.
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For Mahola, People Power is ultimately about the strength of individual and collective voices, celebrating cultural diversity and the ability of people to shape their own stories.
A Good Time offers a joyful glimpse into that journey, showing an artist moving forward without leaving her past behind.
You can stream it on your preferred service here.
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