Fiona Apple's musical return: a heartfelt call for justice for mothers in pre-trial detention
Fiona Apple is back after a five-year hiatus, but this time her music carries a weighty purpose.
Image: Terry Doyle
Fiona Apple, the iconic singer-songwriter who captured the hearts of a generation in the '90s, is back after a five-year hiatus, but this time her music carries a weighty purpose.
The artist has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at highlighting the plight of mothers in pre-trial detention, a vital social issue that often remains shrouded in silence.
Apple, now 47, first dominated the music scene with her 1996 debut album, 'Tidal', which catapulted her into stardom thanks to its intense lyricism and emotional resonance.
Her career has been characterised by exceptionally personal, at times controversial, works that continue to echo across multiple generations.
However, her recent journey has shifted focus; rather than just exploring her own experiences, she is now advocating for those unjustly affected by the criminal justice system.
In her latest track 'Pretrial', released on Wednesday, May 7, Apple utilises her music as a powerful protest anthem.
The song, which she performed with her hand percussion, addresses the harsh realities faced by women who are incarcerated simply due to an inability to afford bail during their pre-trial period.
The accompanying video reinforces her message, opening with the striking words: 'For over two years, I observed thousands of court hearings as a courtwatcher. I saw so many people caged away simply because they could not afford bail. Before they even got to trial. While they were still presumed innocent.'
The imagery within the video alternates between heart-warming home videos of mothers with their families and the stark reality of incarceration, demonstrating the rippling effects of a system that impacts not just the individuals but entire communities.
Apple writes touching verses that resonate with frustration and empathy: "She took on extra shifts, still couldn't pay the bail / No danger, no flight risk, but she will stay in jail / She was not convicted of anything..."
These lines capture the essence of her campaign, culminating in the plea, "Won't you let her go home?" echoing throughout the chorus.
The last release Apple shared with the world was in 2020 with her critically-acclaimed album 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters', which not only earned her a Grammy for Best Alternative Album but also accolades for her song "Shameika'.
Yet, her new direction resonates with a potent urgency, as she steps into the role of advocate, using her artistry to speak for those often overlooked by society.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Exclusive Books' recommended June reads
If you haven't done so, pick up Waterstones' Book of the Year for 2024, Butter by Asako Yuzuki, a culinary thriller inspired by true events. Manako Kajii was once a celebrated gourmet cook now in Tokyo Detention Centre, convicted of murder. Rika Machida, the only female journalist in her news office, works late every night and rarely cooks anything beyond noodles. When Rika writes to Manako requesting her recipe for beef stew, hoping to soften her up and get her to finally speak to the media, the two women develop an unlikely bond. In the latest addition to the Elements series, Air from John Boyne offers a contemplative exploration of a man's journey towards becoming a better father. Aaron is at a crossroads in life. The trauma of his childhood has shaped the man he is today, but it's also what's keeping him from his son. Stuck on a plane together on a long-haul flight halfway across the world, this trip may bring them closer together or drive them further apart. If you're in the mood for romance, don't miss Swept Away by Beth O'Leary. Zeke is in town for the weekend to buy back his father's houseboat. Lexi is desperately looking for help caring for her best friend's daughter. After meeting in a local bar, Zeke and Lexi spend what they assume will be one night together. But they wake up the next morning surrounded by the ocean because no one remembered to tie the houseboat to the dock the night before. As they navigate their way back, they'll have to figure out how to get back on land without falling for each other. The non-fiction selection this month is sure to pique your interest, with major tech titles, moving memoirs and an eye-opening probe into building a safer SA. In Behind Prison Walls, retired judge and chancellor of Stellenbosch University Edwin Cameron offers a powerful look at the failing prison system, along with insights and reflections on how it might be reformed for the better. In Apple in China, Patrick McGee delves into the complex relationship between one of the world's most valuable companies and its biggest political rival. After struggling to build its products across three continents, Apple was drawn to China's seemingly vast, low-cost labour force. By 2014, China had produced up to 200-million phones for Apple. McGee tells the gripping story of how a company once celebrated for its rebellious spirit became a compliant player in a tightly controlled regime. What happened to Elon Musk? In Hubris Maximus, Faiz Siddiqui traces the rise of the richest man on earth, and the cracks beginning to show in his empire. From transforming Tesla into the most valuable automaker to Twitter's rebrand to X, Musk is no stranger to controversy. Siddiqui provides a portrait of the billionaire's rapid ascent and his spectacular public implosion. On the other end of the spectrum, I am a Girl from Africa is the powerful memoir from Elizabeth Nyamayaro as she reflects on how her near-death experience sparked a dream that changed the world. The book charts Nyamayaro's life from nearly starving to death in Zimbabwe to becoming a senior adviser at the UN. Follow the journey of a young girl who dreamed of change for herself, and for the people who need it most.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Lord of the Rings strikes again! The Engagement Adventure
Collecting engagement rings like Infinity Stones, Lebo M proves that love never dies. Just when we thought the drama of Piano-Gate had finally hit its last note, millionaire producer and Grammy-winning Lion King maestro, Lebohang 'Lebo M' Morake, is back on the charts, this time with a sparkling ring and a yacht in Dubai. The Return of the King (of Engagements) Yes, folks, the man whose love life rivals the complexity of a telenovela has popped the question again, marking what will be another engagement or walk down the aisle, depending on how you look at it. Move over, Tolkien — there's a new Lord of the Rings in town. Lebo M and his rekindled flame, to FreesTabe born beauty Malefu 'Mel' Ntsala, were all smiles and sea breeze as they posed stylishly on a luxury yacht in Dubai. With Mel flaunting a glittering engagement ring and Lebo M dropping poetic captions, the couple looked every bit the part of Instagram's power pair. 'The day we stop believing in love and possibilities is when we stop dreaming. Very grateful to find my dream come true and begin this new chapter,' wrote Lebo in a heartfelt post. Let's be honest, when your 'new chapter' includes yacht pics, Dubai sunsets, and a diamond ring you can probably see from space, we're all reading with popcorn. ALSO READ: Kelvin Momo releases album amid speculation about his involvement at this year's Redbull Symphonic From breakups to boat trips: the Mel and Lebo M saga Malefu 'Mel' Ntsala. Picture: X The road to this engagement hasn't exactly been a Disney fairytale. Lebo M and Mel were reportedly previously engaged in 2018, but their love ship hit a reef when he decided to marry someone else. That someone was Pretty Samuels, a union that, much like a badly written sequel, ended in a dramatic split just months ago. Piano gate LeboM and ex-wife Pretty Samuels. Picture: X The feud between Grammy-winning composer Lebo M and his ex-wife, Pretty Samuels, has intensified with the mysterious disappearance of a valuable Blüthner grand piano. Lebo M, whose real name is Lebohang Morake, accuses Samuels of stealing and selling the instrument on the black market, which has reignited tensions from their contentious divorce in 2024. The situation escalated on 31 March when Lebo M's associate producer, Khanyi Serakoeng, discovered the piano missing while preparing for an upcoming concert with renowned composer Hans Zimmer at Cape Town's Grand West Arena on 18 April. Fast-forward to 2025, and the producer is now firmly back in Mel's arms and clearly on cloud nine. Or at least on deck nine of a super yacht. ALSO READ: Lebo M divorce latest: 'I fear for my life and that of my children' Many rings to rule them all Lebo M and ex wife Angela. Picture: X If there were awards for Most Determined Romantic, Lebo M would've snatched the Oscar years ago. His resilience in love, despite the public scrutiny, media frenzies, and occasional piano scandals, is both bewildering and oddly inspiring. Past wives include: Viveca Gipson Nandi Ndlovu Angela Ngani-Casara (twice!) Engagements with actress Zoe Mthiyane and others As one fan cheekily put it on X: 'At this point, Lebo M should be giving masterclasses in moving on.' Fans: From cheers to curious side-eyes Social media, of course, has had a field day. While some fans are raising their glasses in support, others are raising eyebrows in disbelief. Yet, amid all the noise, one thing's clear — the man's got a type: smart, classy, and stunningly beautiful. And let's face it, he's got a good jeweller on speed dial.
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
Ariana Grande joins Robert De Niro in new sequel
Ariana Grande, the Grammy-winning singer and Oscar nominee, is stepping into the world of comedy films. She has signed on to star alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in the next Meet the Parents movie. Universal Studios confirmed on Friday that Ariana will join the beloved franchise for its fourth instalment. The original trilogy has grossed over R19.5 billion worldwide. The upcoming film will be written and directed by John Hamburg, who worked on the earlier movies. The plot promises a fun reversal of roles, according to Daily Mail. This time, Ariana's character will be the new fiancée in the family. She is described as a 'ball-busting woman who seems all wrong' for her fiancé. Ariana herself shared the exciting news on Instagram Stories. She posted headlines from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, writing, 'Very thrilled to be joining (meeting) the family.' Ariana Grande also shared a nostalgic snap of Robert De Niro, playing a former CIA officer, conducting a polygraph test on Ben Stiller from the original 2000 comedy. South African fans have taken to social media to express their excitement. One fan wrote, 'ACTORIANA on the rise,' while another said, 'Ariana in a comedy movie… this is the best day of my life.' A proud supporter added, 'SO PROUD OF MY GIRL ❤️.' However, some fans lamented that Ariana Grande might be stepping back from music. 'We will never see her touring again,' one follower commented. This is understandable, as Ariana recently told Variety she plans to focus more on acting. She said, 'Acting is feeling like home right now. I feel so grateful for it.' South African movie lovers can look forward to a hilarious new chapter in a franchise that has already brought so much joy. The film is expected to hit theatres in November 2026. Given the local appetite for both comedy and star-studded casts, it's sure to be a hit here. Meanwhile, fans of Ariana's musical talents need not worry. She reassured her followers, 'Music and being on stage will always be a part of my life.' But for now, acting is her main focus. With her star shining brighter than ever, South African fans have plenty to look forward to on both the big screen and in the theatre. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
