Makhanje is one of the rising stars redefining South Africa’s Amapiano scene — an artist whose sound fuses soulful storytelling with the infectious rhythms that have taken the world by storm. Her latest single, “Kukuwe”, featuring Stixx and Deeper Phil, captures that perfect blend — a song born from vulnerability, connection, and joy.
1.What inspired the concept behind this track?
Speaking about the inspiration behind “Kukuwe”, Makhanje reveals that the track came from a deeply personal space. “A friend and I were at a weird place, and I guess I just needed to vent about what the problem was,” she shares. “We’re fine now, though,” she adds with a laugh. That emotional honesty became the foundation of a song that resonates with listeners far beyond its melodic groove.
2. How did the collaboration with Stixx and Deeper Phil come about?
The collaboration with Stixx and Deeper Phil was an unexpected masterpiece. “I had gone to Stixx’s studio, and Deeper Phil happened to be there — I had struck gold, honestly,” Makhanje recalls. “It was the first time all three of us worked together, and it just flowed. They brought themselves into the song completely, and that’s what made it magical.”
3. What unique elements did each collaborator bring to the track?
Speaking about the element Stixx and Deeper bring in the single, Makhanje said, “Themselves, truly. Stixx and Deeper Phil hear things so differently. I love the way they came together. It was the first time all three of us worked together so that in and of itself was unique.”
4. The single blends soulful melodies with hard-hitting Amapiano textures. How do you approach balancing these two sides of your artistry?
Blending soulful melodies with the percussive depth of Amapiano is a hallmark of Makhanje’s sound, and she credits her collaborators for helping her find the perfect balance. “It was honestly the blend of the collaboration. The production is hard, but the vocals are soft and airy. Nothing was forced — it was a natural, easy session,” she explains.
5. How do you feel “Kukuwe” contributes to the genre’s global appeal?
While “Kukuwe” has been praised for its emotional depth and sonic elegance, Makhanje emphasizes that authenticity is her biggest goal. “I feel as long as we release music authentic to ourselves, we are adding to the growth and quality of Amapiano. I did what was natural to me and authenticity always wins, you knows? I feel like this song is so different.” she says.
6. How has collaborating with such figures like Black Coffee, Kelvin Momo and DBN Gogo influenced your sound?
Makhanj reflects on how working with icons like Black Coffee, Kelvin Momo and DBN Gogo has influenced her sound. “Heavily. They remind me to think beyond where I am and that there are so many people waiting to hear your offerings. The sky is more than the limit. That allows me to explore sounds and people all over the world.”
7. How do you manage to balance these two demanding careers?
Beyond her artistry, Makhanje also carries the discipline of her other profession — she’s a qualified attorney. “To be honest, it has been tricky. So much so, the attorney cap has taken a bit of a break. I will say that the skills and the knowledge I’ve acquired via this qualification has helped me interpret contacts, negotiate terms and just be more aware of the things I get myself into. Education is so key,” she said.
8. Your music was featured on Showmax’s Adulting. How important is it for you to see your sound integrated into mainstream media and film?
“Incredibly important. Any passion is a soul project but we need to eat at the end of the day so, outside of seeing the beauty of different creative worlds come together in that way… these types of opportunities allow for monetary gain and higher reach.”
9. You’ve performed on global stages, including Chanel’s Dakar Metiers D’Art showcase and Nando’s UK Mix It Up series. Which performance has been the most defining for you so far, and why?
“Both for different reasons. Nando’s UK is very musical – it’s what you do on the daily but on a huge scale because 1. Nando’s is big big brand and 2. You’re working and collaborating with incredible artists on the other side of the world. It’s such an honour to be part of this and be recognised as a meaningful player.
She added and said, “Chanel is one of my biggest highlights because now music was being paired with fashion. I was performing in front of Naomi Cambell, Pharell… on a runway… with supermodels… in Senegal? That is definitely a career highlight and I want to do things of this calibre a whole lot more.”
10. What role does storytelling play in your songwriting process, especially in “Kukuwe”?
“I love to paint a picture of what I’m saying but I also want to leave room for people to interpret or receive my offering however they feel it. With Kukuwe, the song is about friendship for me but everyone else thinks it’s about a romantic relationship and everyone is allowed to think that lol. I love the different theories I’ve been seeing – it adds to the connection and conversation between myself and my supporters,” she said.
11. How do you consciously achieve that balance in your music?
The press release speaks about bridging soulful storytelling with global dance culture, Makhanj speaks about how she balances that in her music. “I think we have the best of everything in this country so just by virtue of working with the producers and artists I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with, it makes it so easy. I think it’s just a matter of pushing the envelope and making sure that you’re staying true to yourself but pushing through what you’re used to; I feel that comes across in the music. Dance and music go together reaaal bad so when the incredible dancers interpret the rhythm and the lyrics; I think it’s important that they feel something real and raw but also something that excites them to move.”
12. Being born in Mthatha, how does your Eastern Cape upbringing influence your creativity and perspective in the music industry?
“Incredibly so. I love being African. I love being umXhosa; I would have loved whatever tribe I was born into, tbh. I just love to explore whilst leaning into what God designed for me. I sing in my language, write in my language. I grew up in a very creative home and we all loved music. There were many road trips as such, many songs take me back to such beautiful memories.”
13. What can fans expect next from you after “Kukuwe”? Is there an EP or album on the horizon?
As for what’s next, she teases, new music. “Definitely an album. My previous EP ‘Ntyatyambo’ is still doing so well so I think it would be a nice touch to add to my discography with an album. I’ve been working all year and we’re almost done with it. Whoooooo! Stress.”
14. Looking at the bigger picture, what legacy do you hope to create asone of the emerging voices pushing Amapiano beyond borders?
“I want to make music true to me and my purpose. I want people to trust whatever vision they’ve been given by God; not only in music but in life. I don’t want it to be just about the music – I want people to think of the things I sing and write even when the song stops playing. I always add translations when I upload my lyrics because not everyone understands but everyone definitely feels,” speaking on the legacy Makhanj wants to create.
Authentic, powerful, and grounded — Makhanje is proving that Amapiano isn’t just about rhythm; it’s about storytelling, soul, and the courage to be real.
