The multi genred Tshegofatso Elijah, who goes by the stage name Saltie has confirmed that she is clearing the stage for a new chapter in her music career with the release of The Drafts Project EP.
Known for her soulful melodies and uplifting anthems, Saltie takes a deeply personal and unfiltered approach with this latest work, inviting listeners into the raw, vulnerable spaces of her creative journey.
“Over the years, I recorded songs that remained unreleased, some unfinished because I was being too picky,” Saltie shared. “After some introspection, I realised it would be a disservice to not be vulnerable and release them. The Drafts Project is a compilation of the songs I’ve held onto for years and I felt it was time to let go of my need for perfection and open myself to what comes next.”
The Drafts Project, an EP with three tracks explores the artists journey within her Christian faith opening the listener to a raw, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal struggles and triumphs.
Ultimately, the EP serves as a metaphor for clearing out the drafts of his life, both creatively and personally, allowing her to present a more genuine and reflective body of work.
Within the EP, her track “Philippians 4” stands out as a deeply personal anthem, written during a time of financial struggle while she was a college student in the U.S. The song, echoes the Apostle Paul’s message of contentment, reflects the trials Saltie faced but also the faith that sustained her.
“God My Refuge” directly addresses these experiences, portraying God as a shelter in times of hardship. Saltie’s resilience shines through each song, offering listeners messages of hope, strength, and perseverance.
“I describe all my music as life experiences through the lens of faith,” she said, emphasizing how her relationship with faith, often inconsistent, but always present, shaped her sound.
“I don’t have thematic areas in my music; it’s just life,” Saltie remarked. “Faith is not always consistent, and that’s what makes life thrilling.”
Moreover, collaborations have played a significant role in Saltie’s artistic evolution, from early recordings with KZar to her recent work with Raul Bryan and Senior Oat. Saltie’s unique lyrical core has found its place in the house music scene, where her work has been recognised by industry giants like Black Coffee and Shimza.
“These collaborations opened doors for me in the house music space,” she said, mentioning that she has more upcoming features with international producers. Her ability to adapt and collaborate across genres while staying true to his sound has propelled her into new creative directions.
Reflecting on her roots, Saltie credits her time singing in church and the wide-ranging music tastes of her family for influencing her sound. Her ability to blend soulful melodies with cross-genre influences has been key to her success.
“I’ve always had diverse tastes in music, from contemporary rock to borankana,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Saltie teased a new direction in her career.
“Expect a ‘MOVE,’” she said. “The next season will involve a lot of dancing.” Inspired by Psalm 30:11-12, Saltie envisions this new chapter as a celebratory shift in his music—one that embodies joy and movement.
The Drafts Project is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of music. Saltie’s fans can look forward to what’s next—a “great move” both in sound and in spirit.
Saltie concluded by saying, “Every song is a journey. I hope those on similar paths have something to relate to.”
