Shekhinah's 'Less Trouble': a heartfelt surprise album that softens the blow of heartbreak

Shekhinah is back, and while she gave us a few hints last year with lead singles, no one saw the full album coming like this.

Late last night, just a minute before midnight, the singer-songwriter announced on Instagram that her brand-new album “Less Trouble” would be out at midnight.

Since “Risk” and “Steady” were released in 2024 as lead singles, there were no other rollouts this year. No other teaser single or a hint that she is coming, just a caption that read: “If you’re seeing this, my album, ‘Less Trouble’, is out now at midnight. Love you all. Until, until, until. See you at Rose Fest.”

The 30-year-old talented musician shared the album artwork along with the post. It shows her holding what looks like a book, open to reveal the album’s synopsis and tracklist. It is a visual that sets the tone for the album, reflective, intentional and personal.

The synopsis reads: “A book on more heartbreak, but less heartache. The art of going in absolute circles. We are no strangers to falling in and out of love. Put together sincerely by Shekhinah.”

That one paragraph captures the core of the album. Shekhinah has never been shy about exploring love and loss, and this time she’s doing it with more perspective, showing fans that things do get better.

She last dropped an album in 2021, “Trouble in Paradise”. Like the title says, it’s a body of work full of emotional turmoil, heartbreak, disappointment and the struggle to find peace. 

This new project feels like the follow-up to that emotional journey. “Less Trouble” does not pretend heartbreak has gone away. It shows that, with time, we might learn to carry it better and love again.

The album features appearances by Amapiano sensation Young Stunna, who brings his unique flair and introspective lyrics that he is loved for on “Spoonky”, a love song that touches on enjoying time spent with a significant partner.

Besides the Shekhinah and Young Stunna collaboration, another interesting fact about this song is the sample. “Sponky Ponky” by the legendary Jabu Khanyile inspired the version on “Less Trouble”, and additionally, you can hear Shekhinah’s soothing voice in the background as she adlibs in isiZulu.

Moily, Mars Baby and Lordkez also make an appearance in the album. Each collaborator brings their own energy,  adding layers to Shekhinah’s already rich sound.

The music remains grounded in her signature blend of R&B, pop, and alternative influences, and this time she also includes the Amapiano log drum on the last track, “Until Until”.

In addition to the album release, Shekhinah is also hosting the latest edition of her all-women music festival, Rosefest, taking place on August 9 at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

The event coincides with National Women’s Day and aims to spotlight women in the South African music industry. 

This year’s theme is “Festival of Fantasy”, and the festival also pays homage to her 2017 debut album, “Rose Gold”.