The South African Rock Encyclopedia > Rock Legends > 1980s > PJ Powers & Hotline
PJ Powers & Hotline
Introduction
Long before PJ Powers, who was born Penelope Jane Dunlop in Durban on the 16 July 1960, became Thandeka (“the loved one”) or achieved a UK chart hit with ‘World In Union’ (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) in 1995, she was the lead singer for top South African rock band Hotline, who formed in Johannesburg in 1980. PJ Powers came from an all-girl group from Durban called Pantha.
Pantha was formed in 1979. We had a fairly good run but being an all girl group in the shadow of Clout, we never managed to secure a record deal. PJ Powers was the fronting singer then known as Penelope Jane Dunlop.
Debbi Lonmon (Little Sister), July 1999
The band changed their style to Afro-Pop in 1983 and went onto even bigger things, like overseas tours. PJ Powers (as a solo artist) and Hotline co-existed for a while, and then Hotline disbanded in 1987. A greatest hits album was released in 1988. PJ Powers continued a very successful solo career.
Discography
KEY
Title (Year) Label, Catalogue number comments
Hotline
- Burnout (November 1981) MFM, ML4561
- Help (1982) MFM, ML4654
- Feel So Strong (1982) Red Bus Records, RB 33902 Italian reissue of Help
- Music For Africa (1983) MFM, FML 1001
- Jabulani (1984) MFM, FML 1003
- Wozani (1985) MFM, FML 1007
- Current (1986) MFM, FML 1010
- Jive (1987) MFM, FML1015
- The Best Of PJ Powers & Hotline: 16 Greatest Hits (1988) MFM, PJL 3000
PJ Powers (selected)
- Thandeka (1985) MFM, FML 1005
- There Is An Answer (1986) MFM, FML 1008
- Living On Dreams (1988) Gallo, HUL 40172
- The Secret’s Out (Siyakubisa) (1989) Straw Hat Music, SHL 1001
- Thandeka… Back Again (1990) MFM, FML 1035
- Shadowland (1991) MFM, FML 1040
- Woman Of Africa (1995) MFM, PJCD 3002
- Talk To Me (2001) Sting, STIDCD 030
- Sondela (2006) Instinct Africaine, INS008
- Penelope & Jabba Project (2010) EMI, CDCCP2 (WB) 132 by PJ Powers & Jabulani Lefatshe
- Destiny (2013) Next Music, NEXTCD 482
- Rightfully Mine (June 2023) Platinum Music Management
Various Artists (selected)
- Concert In The Park (Live) (May 1985) WEA, CIP 1 includes ‘Dance Mama’ by Hotline
- Anthems (1995) Gallo, CDRWC 5 includes ‘World In Union 95’ by Ladysmith Black Mambazo featuring PJ Powers
- Reach Out And Touch EP (August 1998) PolyGram, SINTCD 008 includes ‘Reach Out And Touch’ by Artists For Peace
- Rugby World Cup 99 Anthems (1999) Decca, STARCD 6512 includes ‘World In Union 99’ by Bryn Terfel & PJ Powers (see SA Rock Digest #36, 16 October 1999)
Margaret Singana
- We Are Growing – Shaka Zulu (Soundtrack) (1986), PVB Music includes ‘Music For Africa’
Steve Kekana
- The English Album (1999) Gallo, CDRED 630 includes 2 duets from PJ and Steve; ‘Feel So Strong’ and ‘We’ve Got Love’
The Rock Rebels
- Get This Volume 1 (2001) SAfm, CDVM(WL) 30
Musicians (1980 to 1987)
- PJ Powers: Vocals
- Alistair Coakley: Lead guitar
- George van Dyk: Bass
- Patrick van Rensburg: Drums
- Geoff Sedgwick: Keyboards
- Ron “Bones” Brettell: Keyboards
- Eric Mann: Drums
- Larry Rose: Drums
- Guido Maibaum: Bass
- Sheldon Thomas: Keyboards
Comments
“PJ Powers” is often written as “P.J. Powers” (with punctuation) and sometimes as “P J Powers” (with a space). I have chosen to follow the example displayed on her own official website, her Wikipedia entry and Spotify by using “PJ Powers”.
Brian Currin, April 2025