Makhanj shares insights on collaboration and creative freedom in 'Mix It Up Vol.4'

South African artist Makhanj, born Mbali Kanyisile Makanya, continues to carve her space in the global music scene with two standout features on “Mix It Up Vol. 4”, a cross-continental amapiano project executive produced by Uncle Waffles. 

The EP brings together various artists, including Nigerian singer Fave, UK’s Ghetts, and North London’s Chy Cartier, alongside South Africa’s own Ice Beats Slide, TK Creedlion, Sbuda Maleather and Makanya. 

On “Mix It Up Vol. 4”, Makanya collaborated with Chy Cartier on “Jozi” and with Ghetts on “Bad One”, along with Royal MusiQ and TK Creedlion, showcasing her ability to blend local sounds with international energy while adding that Mzansi flair.

While on “Jozi”, she offers her hypnotic vocals with a chant that is true to the South African sound and can resonate with many. She brings a catchy vibe to Royal MusiQ’s heavy, bass-driven production, while “Bad One” captures the grit and flair of Ghetts’ lyricism.

Both songs reflect her growing reputation as a bridge between different cultures, with one rooted in authenticity but open to new influences.

Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, the amapiano vocalist reflected on the experience, saying, “It felt so reassuring as an artist because it’s one of those indicators of you being on the right track. It was incredibly motivating.”

She recalls that both collaborations came together organically. “They came together by virtue of us all being in the studio. We had so much fun recording them and listening to the many beats the producers had,” she added.

“For ‘Jozi’, Chy had already written the first verse, so I just had to come in and do the chorus, and what I did on the song was very much an amplification of her energy on the first verse. Royal MusiQ provided the perfect canvas for us to jump on.”

On “Bad One”, she adds, “Ghetts was so smooth with it, freestyling throughout. It was such a delight working with him and TKCreedlion. I love having the opportunity to try new things, so this was just an opportunity to stretch myself and see what other things I can do. I loved that for me.”

The result is a rich blend of different voices and sounds that celebrates collaboration while maintaining its African heartbeat.

When it comes to balancing amapiano’s South African roots with global influences, Makanya believes the key lies in authenticity.

She shared that it’s about staying true to who she is while remaining open to growth and evolution. The vocal powerhouse feels that as long as artists continue to push themselves and stay grounded in their truth, the world will keep paying attention.

She adds, “We saw this with Mam Mariam Makeba, Bra Hugh, Kwaito, Gqom, and so many other incredible genres, and now we’re seeing it with amapiano. We just need to keep at that and strengthen the places we may be weak at.”

Beyond her work on the project, Makanya recently released her latest single, “Kukuwe”, produced with Stixx and Deeper Phil under “Makhanj Entertainment”. The song is a vibrant celebration of amapiano’s versatility and her growth as both an artist and entrepreneur.

“Yes,” she said when asked if “Makhanj Entertainment” is her own label. 

“Being an independent artist is quite difficult, but I saw it as necessary. It’s very important to take yourself seriously, but to also be seen as someone taking themselves seriously – that reduces a lot of unnecessary riff raff, to be honest. I will say, take help where you can find it because it’s quite difficult, but it’s always worth it in the end because God is too good.”

Launching her own label has allowed her to take control of her creative direction and business decisions, something she credits to her background in law and commerce.

With a BCom and LLB under her belt, Makanya understands the importance of ownership and fair representation in an industry where artists are often left to fight for royalties on music they have contributed to due to a lack of knowledge on the business side.

"I don’t walk into a room or studio session and announce that I’m an attorney, but when it’s time for conversations, it becomes quite apparent, and I’m thankful for that,” she explains.

“It’s easy to have fun and forget the necessary conversations, so I’m thankful to my team for that. But it’s very important that you use every tool you’ve acquired to help yourself in every way, and with being an attorney, I cannot ignore that experience and knowledge.”