Nkosazana Daughter and Wanitwa Mos Unveil Highly Anticipated Album, ‘Makhelwane’

South Africa’s vibrant music scene has a new highlight with the release of the long-awaited album, “Makhelwane”, by the exceptionally talented artists Nkosazana Daughter and Wanitwa Mos. The album, whose title translates to “Neighbour” in English, marks a significant milestone in their collaborative journey.

Since joining forces in 2021, Nkosazana Daughter (whose real name is Nkosazana Nzama) and Wanitwa Mos, the alter ego of Master KG (real name Kgaogelo Moagi), have already made waves with hit singles like “Sofa Silahlane” and “Dali Nguwe”. Their unique collaboration, blending Pedi and Zulu influences, embodies a spirit of unity and creativity, celebrating their diverse musical backgrounds.

Nkosazana Daughter expressed the essence behind the album: “I’m from KZN. I’m a Zulu girl. And here I am. I have big songs from Limpopo, and people love that music. There’s a strong friendship between Wanitwa Mos and me, which inspired ‘Makhelwane’. We chose this name to ensure the album resonates with everyone.”

The album’s release on August 30 saw it quickly achieving millions of streams even before its official launch. Wanitwa Mos, stepping away from his Master KG persona, explained his decision to experiment with new sounds under this alter ego. “As Master KG, I’m known for high-energy tracks like ‘Jerusalema’ and ‘Skeleton Move’. With Wanitwa Mos, I’m free to explore different musical styles, including slower piano melodies. This allows me to push boundaries beyond what’s expected of me as Master KG.”

In addition to the music, the duo has also released a series of visually captivating music videos, with Nkosazana Daughter playing a key role in conceptualizing them. “Our visuals are largely inspired by Nkosazana. For example, ‘Moyo Ongcwele’ is a prayerful song, and the video reflects that theme with scenes of seeking spiritual solace in the mountains,” Wanitwa Mos elaborated.

“Makhelwane” is not only a debut album for this duo but also a promising start to a series of collaborative projects. Wanitwa Mos hinted at future releases, including explorations into Afro-pop and other genres. “This is just the beginning. We’re discussing more projects and experimenting with different sounds. Fans can look forward to more from us, including a possible collaboration with Makhadzi.”

The album has already made a significant impact, amassing over 30 million certified streams in South Africa and a staggering 104 million global streams across all platforms. The singles “Keneilwe” and “Makhelwane” have particularly captured the audience’s attention, with 69 million and 30 million streams respectively. Other tracks like “Moyo Ongcwele” and “Mfazi we Phepha” are also gaining popularity, with 2.5 million and 2.8 million streams respectively.

Featuring collaborations with some of the industry’s top artists such as Mthunzi, Big Zulu, Zee Nxumalo, JL SA, Nobuhle, Mashudu, HarryCane, and Casswell P, “Makhelwane” showcases a blend of star power and musical diversity.

For fans of South African music, this album is a must-listen, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions that celebrate the dynamic talent of Nkosazana Daughter and Wanitwa Mos.