Taking Pretoria’s unique sound to the mainstream has become a top priority for Shoshanguve-born star Pabi Cooper. This mission has influenced the young artist so profoundly that her latest track, Pabi Jo, serves as a tribute to Pretoria’s distinct bacardi sound, skillfully blended with the global beats of amapiano. Like many of her previous hits, the song has taken the internet by storm, with the 23-year-old proudly calling it a ‘God-given’ track.
Pabi Cooper, real name Paballo Mothapo, has seen a swift rise in her music career since her debut single, Isphithiphithi, that was released in 2021. Singing primarily in siPitori, she has become a prominent voice in the amapiano genre, known for bringing her roots into every song. However, her career didn’t begin with singing; she started as a dancer, and long before stepping onto a stage, she had envisioned herself as a soccer player, where a great part of her passions lie. This love for football dates back to her early childhood years.
But, like many dreams disrupted by Covid-19, the lockdown period made her reconsider her path. She decided to try music, embracing this new venture with the same bravery that defines her today.
“I was raised by a very brave grandmother and my aunt,” she says. “And looking back at my grandmother’s life, I realised how much if it shaped the fearless person I am today, someone who believes she can achieve anything.”
Her grandmother’s tenacity and achievements—having grown her daycare from humble beginnings to one of the most reputable in their area—inspired Pabi’s approach to her own goals. “I learned from her example that if you want something, you go for it, no matter what,” Pabi said.
Even with her determination, though, the early days weren’t easy.
“I started out like many others dancing on TikTok,” she recalls. Her social media numbers quickly grew, gaining attention from other artists, but she wasn’t immediately welcomed into the music side of things.
“I’d ask artists if I could collaborate, but most didn’t take me seriously,” she admits with a laugh.
Then, she met Yams, a producer who gave her a shot. Her first studio experience was a major breakthrough; Amaroto’s manager overheard the song and set up a meeting with DJ Tira. The rest, as she describes it, “was history”.
That pivotal moment led to the recording of that first hit song, confirming that she was meant to be here.
And since then, she has led a high-paced life until a time when she knew she had to step back. Take a breather and recalibrate.
That break, as brief as it was during this year’s winter season, brought her newfound creative excitement that she believes also led her to the creation of her latest single.
“I just knew I had to pause everything because moving while I was feeling as overwhelmed as I was didn’t do justice to me,” she said.
“And I think the break was a long time coming because I just felt like everything was becoming too much for me and I felt like I was going to go crazy. I just needed to pause and think. I wanted to reconnect with myself, and in hindsight, it was so good for my career and for Paballo the person,” a pause that brought her back to herself.
The star’s influence transcends music and is also known for her trendy outfits and looks. That has led to her partnership with known brands Sportscene and Redbat, a long-awaited marriage she shared.
“It’s funny how my style is also at the helm of my brand because when I was growing up I was never a fashionista. I just loved wearing nice, comfortable clothes. I still love nice clothes that come in phases. I am either into skirts in this season or looking hip-hop or whatever. I just dress how I feel in that particular phase,” she shared.
With so much more to come from Pabi Cooper, and all that she has already achieved, when all is said and done, she wants to be remembered as the girl who never allowed anything to stop her from going after what I want.
“I just want to build my career to legendary status, do as many shows as possible, and enjoy life through music,” she said.
“But in climbing that ladder to legendary status, I always pray to God that I never lose my humility and hunger for more. Not get comfortable. I never want status and money to change the person that I am. I want where I’m from and my authentic story to always shine through years from now,” she said, beaming with pride at the person she has become.