South African songwriter Makhanj finally steps into her own spotlight with debut album “Transkei” – 13 tracks after years writing Amapiano hits for other artists.
The backstory here changes everything. Makhanj’s words have already shaped South Africa’s global Amapiano sound through other people’s records. So “Transkei” is not just a debut – it is the moment the ghostwriter finally claims her own voice. That reframing gives every track added weight, because the audience already knows her pen even if they never knew her name.
The collaborator list confirms the industry respect she has built quietly. Sipho Magudulela and Bella Tee open the album on “Amandla Am (Intro).” ShaunMusiq, Mellow & Sleazy, Optimist Music ZA, Atmós Blaq, Musa Keys, and Nia Pearl all appear across the tracklist – names that represent the upper tier of contemporary Amapiano production. Yet Makhanj’s voice remains the throughline connecting every feature back to her own story.
Blending contemporary African sounds with heartfelt isiXhosa storytelling, “Transkei” gives an important songwriter the credit years of hit records never fully delivered.
Stream “Transkei” from top to bottom and tell us your favourite track – the comments are open!
DISCUSSION