Lead single “Everybody Needs Somebody,” out Thursday, 3 September 2026, introduces “Street Psalms” – a bold new sound where faith meets the streets
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 1 September 2026 – After more than a decade devoted to full- time ministry, Active lifestyle advocacy & enablement, business, family, social contribution, South African music icon, now Pastor Kabelo Mabalane makes a powerful solo artist return to music with “Everybody Needs Somebody, the lead single from his forthcoming album, dropping this Thursday, 3 September 2026, across all major digital platforms. Known affectionately as Bouga Luv or Bouga2shoes, a founding member of the legendary trio TKZee – and today a pastor at Rhema Church – Mabalane steps into a defining new chapter with a genre he calls “Street Psalms.”
A sound construction bringing faith currently not expressed in Street Culture. Born at the intersection of pulpits, townships, boardrooms and prayer rooms, a sound that brings the full breadth of his lived experience into one compelling musical language for a new era.
“This album isn’t me choosing between artist and pastor,” says Mabalane. “It’s me living in between them, harnessing both their strengths to impact people’s lives. These are Street Psalms – tight beats, declarations, encouragements, prayers and invitations. South Africa needs soundtracks such as these for this season”
“Everybody Needs Somebody” draws on Mabalane’s unmistakable kwaito roots – however, this time adds a genius 1-of-a-kind, unmistakable sonic infusion of THE ARROWS, giving the track its ease, joyfulness and perfect tension point. All this while moving confidently through contemporary worship, self-identity and affirmation, soul and urban twist elements – a first taste of a layered, forward-looking body of work that feels both familiar and entirely new. The full album, For King and Country, follows soon after.
Recorded between Johannesburg and Los Angeles, USA, “Everybody Needs Somebody” will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer from Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Leading up to the release, Mabalane sat with Tbo Touch for an exclusive interview and song drop.
