Thirteen years after stepping away from the spotlight, Jamali aren't returning out of nostalgia—they're returning with intention.
The trio that helped define a generation of South African pop have reunited with a renewed sense of purpose, bringing with them a more mature sound, a deeper appreciation for one another and a perspective shaped by years of individual growth. Their forthcoming EP, Full Circle, marks more than a musical comeback; it's a reflection of three women who have evolved independently while remaining connected by the sisterhood that first brought them together.
Featuring in Lelive's Shelf Made series, the group's story feels especially fitting. Much like the skincare brand, Jamali's journey is rooted in authenticity, resilience and building something meaningful on their own terms.
GLAMOUR caught up with Liesl Penniken, Mariechan Luiters and Jackie Carpede to get the scoop on their long-awaited return, what sisterhood means today, the lessons they've learned over the past decade and why this new chapter is their most authentic yet.
This comeback has been described as "not absence, but evolution." What does that evolution look like for each of you individually and as a group?
Liesl: We've all grown in different ways over the years, both personally and professionally. This comeback has been incredibly intentional because our fans have been asking us for so long to return. We've come back stronger as individuals, and that growth has made us even more connected as a group. It also gave us the confidence to create music that feels more mature while still staying true to who Jamali is.
Mariechan: Personally, evolution has meant becoming more confident in who I am, both as a woman and as an artist. Every experience has shaped my music, and each project represents a new chapter of my life. As a group, it's about embracing what makes each of us unique while continuing to grow together. We've challenged ourselves creatively, adapted to an ever-changing industry and found new ways to connect with both our longtime supporters and a new generation of listeners.
How would you describe this new era of Jamali, and what can fans expect?
Mariechan: Our original fans will still recognise the heart and authenticity they've always connected with, but they'll also hear how much we've grown. It's been 13 years since we last recorded together, so this is new territory for us too. That's why we chose to release an EP instead of rushing into a full album. We wanted the freedom to rediscover our sound together after spending so many years pursuing our individual careers. We hope longtime fans fall in love with Jamali all over again, while new listeners discover something that feels fresh, genuine and relatable.
How would you describe the sound of the EP, and in what ways does it differ from the sound your fans first fell in love with?
Liesl: We've moved beyond our original pop sound and introduced more Afro-inspired elements. It's definitely different, but it still feels like Jamali. The music is more mature, current and reflective of where we are in our lives, and I hope our longtime fans embrace that journey with us.
Mariechan: Before we started recording, we asked ourselves what story we wanted to tell. The answer was simple: coming full circle. That's why the EP is called Full Circle. It represents our journey, our fans who have grown alongside us and the new listeners discovering us for the first time.
We wanted to create something that honoured our roots without recreating our old sound. You'll still hear elements of R&B, but with a fresh perspective, alongside Afro-inspired influences that feel authentic to who we are today. We aren't the 19-year-old girls people first met all those years ago, so it was important that the music reflected the women we've become.
How do you honour Jamali's legacy while giving yourselves the creative freedom to evolve?
Jacky: We honour our legacy by allowing ourselves to grow. Jamali is where it all began, and it's given us music that has become part of so many people's lives. We're not trying to leave that behind—we're building on it. Every new chapter simply adds to the story we've already created.
What does sisterhood mean to you today, and how has your bond evolved over the past 13 years?
Jacky: Sisterhood is having women who truly understand what you're going through. They understand your fears, your ambitions and the challenges you face in a way that only other women can. Having that kind of support makes life so much easier to navigate.
Liesl: It's choosing each other, again and again. We started this journey in 2003, and although we've all followed different paths, we've stayed connected. When the opportunity came to celebrate our 20th anniversary, coming back together felt natural because the love, respect and support had never disappeared. That's what keeps our bond so strong.
Mariechan: What makes our sisterhood special is that we've always given each other the space to grow individually while continuing to move forward together. We don't have to be the same to be united, and I think that's one of our greatest strengths. Our individuality is what allows us to bring something unique to the group, and our shared purpose keeps us connected. I think our fans can genuinely feel that whenever they see us together, which is why we've been fortunate to receive nothing but love and encouragement throughout this comeback.
Jamali has always held a special place in South African music history. What legacy do you hope this new chapter will leave behind?
Jacky: I hope people see that women can succeed together. We often hear the narrative that women can't work alongside one another, but we've shown that's simply not true. We've embraced our differences, supported one another and built something that's lasted for more than two decades. That's something I'm incredibly proud of.
Mariechan: I hope our legacy extends beyond the music. I want young women to see what's possible when women lead, support one another and remain true to themselves. I also hope our journey reminds people that longevity comes from consistency, resilience and having the courage to reinvent yourself without losing your identity.
Liesl: I hope people are inspired to embrace growth while staying authentic. We want our story to show that resilience, consistency and having the confidence to step into your own power can take you further than you ever imagined.
Lelive's Shelf Made series celebrates creatives who've built something meaningful on their own terms. What does being "self-made" mean to each of you today?
Mariechan: Being self-made doesn't mean doing everything alone. It's about believing in your vision, putting in the work and staying true to your purpose, even when the journey isn't easy. We've been fortunate to have people who believed in us throughout our careers, and that's something we'll never take for granted. Being self-made is having the courage to define success on your own terms, creating opportunities instead of waiting for them and making choices that align with who you are.
Jacky: It also starts with your mindset. It's about how you see yourself, who you believe you can become and how you prepare yourself for every new chapter. But no one succeeds entirely on their own. You need community, friendships and people who believe in you. That's all part of becoming the best version of yourself.
Liesl: Being self-made means staying true to yourself, remaining authentic and continuing to grow while uplifting others along the way. That's what success really looks like.
Shelf Made also celebrates intentional rituals. Are there any rituals—whether it's skincare, music, mindfulness or something else—that help you feel grounded before stepping on stage or into the studio?
Liesl: My faith has always been the centre of my life. Before every performance or important moment, I pray. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that everything unfolds according to God's plan. Staying rooted in my spirituality is incredibly important to me.
Mariechan: We all have our own rituals, but they serve the same purpose—they help us slow down, be present and reconnect before stepping on stage or into the studio. Personally, that might be taking a quiet moment to breathe, saying a prayer or sharing words of encouragement with the people around me. Mentoring younger artists also gives me a sense of purpose and helps keep me grounded.
Jacky: Personally, it's all about balance. I prioritise my physical health by going to the gym, but I also make time for my mental and spiritual wellbeing. Looking after all three allows me to show up as the best version of myself, both on and off stage.
If you each had to choose one Lelive product that's earned a permanent place on your shelf, what would it be?
Mariechan: I'd have to choose the complete skincare routine. From the cleanser and serums to the lightweight moisturiser and Mineral SPF, my skin absolutely loves it. It leaves me glowing before I even put on makeup.
Jacky: The Glow Oil is my go-to. My schedule is always hectic, and even if I don't have time for my full routine, that product instantly brings my skin back to life.
Liesl: The Brighten + Clarify Serum is my fighter. I deal with pigmentation, and it's made such a noticeable difference. It helps brighten my complexion and fade my dark spots, so it's become a staple in my routine.
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