International artist and powerhouse vocalist Keisha White has been added to the line-up of the Tribute to Women concert.
Speaking to IOL, the musician who rose to fame with her soulful blend of R&B, pop, and gospel influences, shared that she is honoured to share her voice on the Tribute to Women stage.
“South Africa has always held a very special place in my heart, not just for its incredible history and culture, but also for the love and support the people have shown my music over the years.”
The “The Weakness is Me” hitmaker revealed that she immediately felt connected to the festival’s purpose, “celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of women.”
“As an artist, I believe music has the power to uplift and inspire, and being part of an event that honours women in such a powerful way felt like the perfect alignment.”
White, like the rest of the world, has eyes on South Africa’s music scene. “It’s soulful, rhythmic, and always evolving,” she describes.
“I’ve always admired the way South African artists blend tradition with modern sounds.
“Artists like Black Coffee have made such a global impact, and I also love what younger artists like Tyla are doing, bringing fresh energy and putting South African music on the world stage.”
For White, music is about connection, and doesn’t put off the idea of a collaboration with a local artist. “I’d love to collaborate with South African artists, whether it’s blending soulful vocals with Amapiano or exploring Afro-soul.”
The song, “The Weakness in Me,” put White on the map; to date, it has 10 million streams on Spotify and 16 million on YouTube. Originally written by renowned singer and women’s rights activist Joan Armatrading, the first time White heard the song, she felt such a deep connection.
Even though the lyrics were not hers, the emotions were real, and White sang the lyrics as if they were her own. “That’s the beauty of soul music, you take someone else’s words, but you pour your own experiences into it so people feel the truth.”
When White recorded “The Weakness In Me,” she was growing, learning, and discovering who she was both personally and musically, which is why the song still resonates – it’s real and timeless.
“That song captured my emotional honesty as a young woman finding her voice. It wasn’t just about love; it was about vulnerability, choices, and the messiness of being human.”
When White made her debut, the focus was on physical albums, radio play, and big record label pushes. Now, the landscape has shifted to streaming, social media, and building direct connections with your audience.
White’s advice to young artists is “stay true to your sound, invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take control of your career. Authenticity always shines through.”
The Tribute To Women concert takes place on August 24, 2025, at Mark’s Park in Emmarentia. Thandiswa Mazwai, Makhadzi, Ami Faku, Mi Casa, Lloyiso, The Soil and Mia are set to perform.
IOL Entertainment
