The Roots and The Soul Rebels Ft. Goapele

Versatility, endurance, and longevity are traits that countless bands court, but  few achieve. Ten years at the top of the game is impressive. Twenty makes  you an icon. So what do you call a group that’s more than 30 years into their  career and still commanding the same level of respect and acclaim as when  they first started out…The Roots, one of the most successful and hardest working groups of all time. Over the course of 14 albums, the three time  Grammy-winning band broke free of the traditional constructs of hip-hop,  expanding as a live band into R&B, jazz, and rock, among other genres, and  creating their own template that would inspire countless other groups. 

The Roots core remains Questlove and Black Thought. From the beginning,  the duo cemented the group’s reputation for incendiary live gigs helmed by a  relentless, years-long touring schedule that took them all over the world. “They  are not merely the world’s best hip-hop band,” Rolling Stone wrote, “but one of  the great musical outfits of our time.” The Roots Picnic, founded by the group in  2008, has become a Philly institution and has now become, to quote Rolling  Stone, “hip-hop’s greatest festival.” 

The Roots have long been exponentially more than their catalog and live  shows. For 15 years, they’ve been the house band, sidekicks, and occasional  comic foil for Jimmy Fallon. They’ve been the go-to backing band for dozens of  artists for years. They’re the first call from presidents and other leaders  alongside the world’s most influential cultural figures who need a gifted,  intensely creative group to back them up at events. They’re low-key behind the-scenes connectors in an industry where nonstop visibility is one of the most  important currencies. Questlove and Black Thought have become lauded  cultural arbiters; the conduit that bonds myriad subcultures under the auspices  of eternal cool. 
In an era where moments are measured by speed over talent – where  ephemeral virality trumps the enduring and extraordinary – The Roots have  distinguished themselves as both music veterans and iconic explorers  constantly looking for the next challenge.

Brass sensation The Soul Rebels started with an idea - to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock all within the style of a modernized and contemporary brass band.

The Soul Rebels built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in a party-like atmosphere. The eight-member collective frequently appear on major record label releases with star artists including Sony Music artist GEazy’s single ‘When You’re Gone” featuring Lil Wayne, Def Jam artist Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4”, Big Freedia and Icona Pop’s “Pipe That” and Warner Music Group artist Phony Ppl’s new album. The Soul Rebels have scored original music for Walt Disney’s 2023 movie Haunted Mansion and appeared on the official soundtrack for Universal Pictures' hit comedy Girls Trip.

The Soul Rebels have impressed viewers with two appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, featured on NPR's Tiny Desk series with Wu Tang Clan front man GZA, and headlined the global TED Conference.

The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2024 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. The Soul Rebels continue to expand their international reach touring four continents including Europe, Australia, China, South Korea and Japan. Their explosive stage presence has led to live collaborations with the likes of Katy Perry, Nas, G-Eazy, DMX, Robin Thicke, Macy Gray, Portugal. The Man, Robert Glasper, Pretty Lights, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Matisyahu and most notably their new supergroup with the legendary Wu Tang Clan.

The Soul Rebels continue to chart new territory and are respected for their ability to combine topnotch musicianship with songs that celebrate peace, love and soul.

Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a  tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her  captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music  transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to  echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and  universally relatable. 

The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother  from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her  worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for  her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston  honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. 

Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in  Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her  catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her  evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores  themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as  Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. 

For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for  connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own  truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and  push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." 

Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through  her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to  speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her  synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes  her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend  music, color, scent, and fashion. 

Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless  films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony  Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful  visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava  DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive  produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and  Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. 

“I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring  legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music,  advocacy, and authentic storytelling.