Amapiano duo Shakes & Les have exciting news for their fans as they announce the release of their upcoming album, Mkhaya, set to drop on October 18. Known for their chart-topping hits and unique sound, the duo is now exploring a more soulful side of their artistry, and they’ve shared the deeper meaning behind their latest project.
The title Mkhaya holds significant meaning in South African culture. In a statement, Shakes & Les explained, “Mkhaya means family, home, and unity in colloquial language. It’s also used as a way to refer to your fellow brother, sister, or even a friend from one’s home region or belonging to the same clan.” This concept of home and belonging is the central theme of their new album.
“We named the album Mkhaya because we are homeboys—we both come from the same hometown of Kabokweni. The music we produced for this album is what we call Mkhaya music. It’s music you can listen to with your family, music that brings people together, music that heals and unites,” they explained.
Shakes & Les are known for pushing the boundaries of Amapiano, and with Mkhaya, they aim to showcase their versatility by delving into more soulful, emotionally charged tracks. “The mission was to show the world how versatile we are by leaning more into the soulful side of our production. Soulful music involves a lot of feelings, it makes you emotional, and helps you relate to situations you may have faced in life,” they said.
The duo previously enjoyed success with their Funk Series album, which was full of vibrant, dance-inducing tracks. However, Mkhaya promises to be more reflective, with its sounds grounded in themes of home, unity, and togetherness. Fans can expect music that speaks to the heart, evoking a wide range of emotions while maintaining the signature Amapiano groove.
Ahead of the album’s release, Shakes & Les have already dropped the first single, Buya, giving listeners a taste of what’s to come. With its smooth beats and heartfelt lyrics, Buya is the perfect introduction to the soul-stirring sounds of Mkhaya.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see how Shakes & Les have evolved musically with this new, deeply personal project.
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