Makhanj Drops Debut Album 'Transkei', Black Coffee Among First to Congratulate Her
- South African singer-songwriter Makhanj released her debut album Transkei on Friday, 7 August 2026
- The deeply personal project explores identity, belonging, womanhood and cultural pride rooted in her family heritage
- Spotify Africa featured Transkei on its SoulPiano playlist, and SA Grammy winner Black Coffee showed love for the release
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Source: Instagram
Admitted attorney turned singer-songwriter Makhanj has finally given fans what they've been waiting for. Her debut album, Transkei, dropped on Friday, 7 August 2026, and the reception has been nothing short of electric, with even Grammy-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee stepping in to celebrate the milestone.
Named after the Eastern Cape region that shaped generations of her family, Transkei is a love letter to home. The project blends contemporary African sounds with personal storytelling, weaving together themes of memory, resilience, love and self-discovery. At its core, the album is a celebration of cultural pride and what it means to carry your roots into the world.
Spotify Africa backed the release by featuring the album on the cover of its SoulPiano playlist, a significant nod for a debut project. Sharing the news on Instagram, Makhanj expressed heartfelt gratitude to her creative team and streaming supporters alike, writing: "Thank you @spotifyafrica for supporting my debut album 'Transkei' with this cover. Sisukakude, Bandla. Enkosini. 🧡🫶"
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The cover was brought to life by a talented collective: creative direction by Tony Gum, photography by Nondumiso Shange, styling by Wasted Linen, makeup by Touched by Tso, and co-production from Nuskool, Impilo Productions and Location Loaded.
Source: Instagram
Fans and fellow artists celebrate the album
The response from fans has been warm and enthusiastic. Makhanj herself teased a listening event, writing: "See you in Transkei! 21:00 🧡🧡🧡"
Here's what others had to say:
@derose_rsa: "lbhasi soloku isuke ngoTeni ekseni sana syafika ngoku 🤩🤩🤩🤩"
@inam_tshongwana: "The intro? oh sisi YOU ATE ! 😭😭"
@vaderrr_ggm: "Listening Now 🔥🔥🔥🔥"
@lesegom_official: "Soo cool 🔥🤩"
With this album, Makhanj announces herself not just as a talented newcomer but as an artist with a clear sense of identity and purpose, proving that her journey from law to music was one worth taking.
Skye Wanda joins Zakes
In a previous report from Briefly News, Skye Wanda announced she has joined Zakes Bantwini's entertainment company, Mayonie Productions, marking a major new chapter in her career.
The singer previously collaborated with Zakes Bantwini on his album Echoes of Botanical Gardens, including the single Focus.
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Source: Briefly News
