Quotes
“A collection of politically and dirty minded songs that suggests Amel Larrieux with a libido… .Goapele has performed and recorded
with everyone from Michael Franti to Zion I, creating a style that fuses underground hip hop, vintage R&B and jazz. Her eclectic
sound reflects the philosophical and musical strains -- from Miriam Makeba to Prince – that she was exposed to while growing up.“
Vibe Magazine
"The neo-soul bandwagon is more crowded by the minute but room might have to be made for Goapele, the Bay Area's best kept
secret....Goapele's voice rings with personal honesty and emotional urgency, reminiscent of Lauryn Hill and Mystic at their soulful
best." The Source Magazine
“Even Closer is a showcase for Bay Area singer Goapele’s distinct vocal sensibility; a balance of steamrolling Chaka Khan power and
yoga-girl suppleness that’s full of promise” 3 Stars Rolling Stone
“Her name, Goapele, is just as intriguing as her music… This arresting set organically mixes R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and electronica in
introspective, candid songs that colorfully reflect this soulful sista's diverse range and life experiences… .Goapele's smoky, sensual
voice is a beacon that shines on a set that wisely steers clear of overproduction. While calling to mind such influences as Nina Simone
and Sade, this classic chanteuse-in-the-making is definitely her own woman of substance.” Billboard Magazine
"Goapele is definitely going places with her debut album, Even Closer. Her sound? A unique, modern take on territory charted by
Nina Simone and Sade." Honey Magazine
“California’s Bay Area has a history of birthing the eccentricities that keep the music scene pulsating. From Souls of Mischief to
Raphael Saadiq, each sound marked the beginning of a new experimental charge. Now it's time for Goapele, a sista with a throat full
of molasses and a timbre touched with the greatness of Ella, Phlyis and Sade.” King Magazine
“The songs on her sophomore set, Even Closer, are so diverse they sound like they don’t belong to the same family. But what binds
them is Goapele’s rich vocals and raw but crisp delivery.” Upscale Magazine
“She embodies pure soul-unadulterated and heartfelt… .An ethereal offering of aesthetic soul. Closer promises to turn the genre of its
edge with a barrage of social conscious and meditative cuts.” Savoy Magazine
“Bay Area singer-songwriter Goapele is one of urban soul music’s best kept secretes… But it’s Goapele’s tremendously rich and
beautiful voice, which recalls Alicia Key’s commanding timbre, that truly distinguishes her from the throngs of neosoul sisters who’ve
followed the trail blazed by Erykah Badu. She’s also endowed with a gift for storytelling that rivals Jill Scott’s earthy around-the-waygirl attitude and Mystic’s street-smart perspective. Goapele is equal parts seductive sex kitten and playfully profane soul rebel – that
rare breed of earth mama who equates spirituality with sensuality. … Goapele also promotes socially relevant themes in her music,
which is infused with diverse sounds such as Reggae rhythms, Middle Eastern flavor and dirty Delta blues. … She’s a remarkable
breath of fresh air in an increasingly crowded sound garden of unoriginal neosoul singers.” Time Out New York
“A mixture of libido and social commentary sits atop this easy listening collection of velvety, organ swathed R&B.”
One World Magazine
“Her voice is mature and raw and it’s pleasant to the ears. This relative newcomer has a mellow tune that’s a nice start to hopefully a
long career ahead… .It’s our office’s current favorite” Sister 2 Sister Magazine
“The 60’s are long gone, but the Age of Aquarius lives on in the Bay Area, where politics, dreadlocks and organic veggies are
common currency. That spirit is definitely alive in Goapele… In the last year or so, Goapele has grown to become the Bay Area’s
homegrown neo-soul phenom… .In a field thick with competitors, Goapele carves out an admirable niche for herself.”
3 ½ stars URB Magazine
“Goapele, 25 is a petite songstress with a voice that can fill a stadium… .She has been gaining popularity here as an elegant romantic
who weaves poetic narratives… .The introspective and airy vocals combined with sassy grooves make Goapele a bit of an urban music
anomaly.” San Francisco Chronicle
“One might even say that her entire CD is reminiscent of what R&B used to be… .Since bringing her own talent to the spotlight, she’s
already been compared to the likes of Jill Scott, Sade and Lauryn Hill.” Black Beat Magazine
"If you’re looking for someone who will touch your soul...look no further she touched mine" Jazzy Jeff, Artist
“Goapele has emerged as a rising star in the Bay Area's urban music community… .As a young child, Goapele became used to seeing
the likes of Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Zulu Spear hanging out at her parent's house, where a steady diet of South African
music, reggae and jazz was constantly in rotation” San Francisco Bay Guardian
“A jazz-trained soul singer in the tradition of Sade and Nina Simone...the main reason for the local fervor over her is Goapele's
unfailingly emotional, beseechingly honest voice.....she sings with a clarity and an earthiness that's at once startling and totally
believable.” San Francisco Weekly
“Goapele has established herself as one of the region's most promising young artists… .the singer brims with a diva-esque confidence,
like a caterpillar who has just discovered she's become a butterfly… . There's definitely something different about the 24-year-old
Oakland-born-and-based singer-songwriter.” East Bay Express
"Oakland singer-songwriter Goapele has an expansive alto voice, superheroine-worthy cheekbones and a new album, "Even Closer"
....With a South African father and a Jewish mother from New York, Goapele has a keen understanding of the importance of political
issues as well as a fine sense of how to write a romantic ballad." The Oakland Tribune
“Goapele is not only an asset to the Bay Area music scene. She also has a lot to offer on a global level. She covers, love, loss, struggle,
and humanity, not forgetting everything in between. With a voice that has a soothing style. I have been known, but it would be a
pleasure to watch the world discover Goapele.” Dreamworks recording artist, Mystic
“She is very sensual, patient and passionate about her work. Of the many rising stars in this Urban classic soul movement, Goapele's
beauty, writing and genuine passion for performing will place her among the ranks of every soulstress with a message. she
communicates not to the bling bling, but to the human being in us all.” Goodvibe recording artist, Martin Luther
"Urban soul is being redefined by a gorgeous, intelligent and down to earth new voice; Goapele… .Goapele's range is extensive… The
result is an intricate tapestry that layers hip hop, rhythm and blues, jazz, soul and even a little electronica, flowing together with ease
and grace… Goapele innovates a vocal vessel, drawing on the breathlessness of Sade and the soul of Nina Simone to tell the story of a
new breed of diva" Mugshot Magazine
“Closer resides in a smooth soulfulness amidst the raw presence of her distinct vocals… Goapele provides room for her music to be
raw, jazzy, urban, truthful, and positive. Goapele is still basking in the overwhelming praise her performances received. Her vocals
shatter souls, leaving audiences begging for more. Tracks like "Catch 22" are just waiting to be a classic. This stunning lady can
vocally capture the heart of anyone” Urban View Newspaper
"I think Goapele is representing the next generation of soul singers. Her lyrical content in her songs not only are about romance but
also deal with positivity and political consciousness. There is definitely a place and a need for Goapele in the music industry and in
our current time." AmpLive (Zion I)
"Goapele brings stylistic continuity to the set through her deliciously elastic phrasing and a glowing mezzo-soprano voice that some
have likened to Sade's....as part of a close-knit community of South African exiles, and the struggle against South Africa's racist
regime was the paramount influence on her developing political consciousness." San Francisco Bay Guardian Newspaper
“It might sound like a cliche’, but on the lucky day of 7/11/77 a star was born. Fast forward 25 years and this grown man is finding
himself glued to a stereo as it pumps out a melodic piece of poetry that will addict anyone with a dream, goal or aspiration.”
City Flight Newsmagazine
“The buzz is building on this sensual, spiritual and seriously singin' sista from Oakland.” Urban Network
“It is a rarity for a singer/songwriter to blend intense emotions, personal lyrics, and soulful singing into one track. Goapele's debut
album "Closer" does this several times throughout her album… Goapele compels the listener with her soulful songwriting abilities
enhanced by the combinations of the many elements of jazz, R&B and urban soul.” UCLA Daily Bruin
With the release of her debut CD, Closer, Bay Area vocalist and song writer Goapele demonstrates her artistic versatility in a stunning
collection of conscious lyrics backed by harmonized vocals riding on an eclectic mix of soul, R&B, hip hop and jazz"
IYES Magazine
“In an increasingly crowded neo soul scene that’s produced as many one album curiosities as long haul career artists,
Goapele has two assets working for her; a voice as smooth as butterscotch and a sensibility worthy of it… .On Even
Closer, her debut album, Goapele proves how achievable that goal is. It’s a warm, lived in collection of carefully
considered tunes that balances hip hop snap and live band crackle.” Nylon Magazine
“Her debut, Even Closer is a mix of jazz, funk and soul influenced more by male artists like D’Angelo and Prince than
any of her spiritual soul sisters.” Interview Magazine