South Africa's P.J. Powers with "JABULANI". (1991)

PJ Powers (born Penelope Jane Dunlop, 16 July 1960, Durban) is a South African singer and performer. She became a household name in southern Africa after the widespread success of the song “Jabulani”. When she played at the Jabulani Amphitheatre in 1983 she was hailed by the crowd with the name “Thandeka”. On the stage she drank from a calabash as part of the performance to the delight of the audience. World in Union 95, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo version featuring PJ Powers, became an international hit record in 1995. It reached no. 47 in the UK singles charts.

PJ Powers garnered attention for her human rights advocacy, philanthropy, and activism against apartheid.

Early life and career
PJ Powers was born in Durban, Province of Natal (now in KwaZulu-Natal), South Africa on 16 July 1960. Her singing career kicked off in 1979 when she became the lead singer of an all female group called Pantha. It disbanded after a year. PJ Powers went on to front a new band, Hotline. Their sound, afro-pop fusion music framing PJ Powers' distinctive voice, attracted an expanded, cross cultural fan base.

The band lasted for seven years and produced some of the biggest local hits of the 1980s. The formula of young, energetic musicians performing vibrant music in all areas was well accepted by their youthful target audience. PJ was then given the name Thandeka, meaning "Loved One", by the people of South Africa, a name she continued to hold true to her heart. Hotline took music to the people. This increased their popularity and grew their fan base in the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.

Combining music that people could dance to with messages of hope and reconciliation was different to what was played on the radio at the time. “You're So Good to Me” (1982), written by PJ Powers, was her first big hit. Powers followed up by writing more hits, including "I Feel So Strong" (1983 duet with Steve Kekana), "Home to Africa" (1985), and "There is an Answer" (1986).

Hotline disbanded in 1987 and subsequently Powers pursued a solo career.
The word Jabulani is a Zulu word, and means Rejoice.

LYRICS:
I’ve been thinking in the rain jabulani
I’ve been holding hands with you jabulani
Jabulani – the people sing and dance
Jabulani – there’s always just a chance
Jabulani – for you to find romance

Yeah………………
Yeah………………

You’ve been dancing all night long – jabulani
You have made us feel so strong – jabulani
Jabulani – the people sing and dance
Jabulani – there’s always just a chance
Jabulani – for you to find romance – Jabulani

You can sing and dance and laugh and feel Jabulani X2

Jabu, Jabu, Jabulani X2
We have had a lovely day, jabulani
Jabu, Jabu, Jabulani
We we wish to be this day, Jabulani
Jabu, Jabu, Jabulani

Jabulani – the people sing and dance
Jabulani – there’s always just a chance
Jabulani – for you to find romance – Jabulani