Meet Makhanj: The voice you’ve heard, but the story you may not know

Ahead of Heritage Day, Makhanj opens up about her Mthatha roots, her journey from law to music and the inspiration behind her debut album, Transkei.

By Bulelwa Hoala

Meet Makhanj: The voice you’ve heard, but the story you may not know — Images: Makhanj on Facebook

You may know her as Makhanj, but behind the name is Mbali Khanyisile Makhanya, an attorney-turned-musician who is steadily making her mark in the South African music scene.

Born in Mthatha, Makhanj has worked with some of the biggest names in Amapiano, including Kelvin Momo, DBN Gogo, Musa Keys, Major League DJs and Babalwa M, while building a sound and identity of her own.

Her journey into music is an interesting one. Before stepping into the spotlight as an artist, Makhanj was pursuing a career in law.

Now, she has released her debut album, Transkei, a 13-track project that takes listeners back to her roots and explores heritage, identity, home and overcoming adversity.

Ahead of Heritage Day on 24 September, Makhanj sits down with Kaya 959 to talk about the woman behind the name, her journey from attorney to artist, her Mthatha roots, the inspiration behind Transkei, and what heritage means to her.

Watch the video below:

Where does the name Makhanj come from, and what does it mean to you?

I used to rap in high school, and so my friends in boarding school combined my surname ‘Makhanya’ with ‘Minaj’ from Nicki Minaj, which resulted in Makhanj.

Before you became Makhanj the artist, who were you?

Mbali. A bright-eyed girl with a zest for life and great ambitions of making it in the world of law.

In the present, who is Makhanj when the music stops and the stage lights go off?

A girl who loves life and believes that everything is attainable. She feels deeply but believes and trusts in God.

You were born in Mthatha. What parts of Mthatha can we hear in this album?

Every part, to be honest. I’m a product of Mthatha and, as such, what I offer will have an element of my hometown.

Who was the first person to genuinely believe in your talent and, looking back, what does that mean to you?

Other than myself, because I truly believe that’s where it starts, whether or not you lose it along the way, it’s important that it starts with you; I would say my incredible mother. She thinks I can do everything. I’m so thankful for that.

You could have called your debut album anything. Why did you choose Transkei?

At the stage I was in, when making this album and even prior, I was overcoming a lot of adversity. I believe that there are a lot of things to be considered when looking at what Transkei was, but my focus was on the overcoming.

We have a lot of positives to consider even in the tough era that Transkei existed in. We have incredible people that have done much for this country and continent at large, world, if you will, that come from this region, and it was important for me to shine a light on that; even if just for myself.

I can overcome things, I’m from there for a reason, and I have done and will continue to do great things even in the face of adversity.

What part of yourself did you have to reclaim to make Transkei?

I wouldn’t say I had to reclaim anything. If anything, I leaned into myself because I am from Transkei, as is my family. It was more so reaching into myself.

Was making Transkei a way of going back home, or was it a way of understanding where you come from?

I guess a bit of both, but more so the former. I’ve moved around the country a lot, so it was important for me to take it back home, to the beginning for both myself and my listeners.

I’ve been on so many other people’s projects, which I’m thankful for, and I’ve lived in so many provinces, which I’m thankful for, but I needed to take us all back to the beginning.

You’ve described the album as being about heritage, identity and the stories that shape us. With Heritage Day coming up on 24 September, what does heritage mean to you?

Heritage means root, for me. You can become whatever and go wherever, but the start is where the first light of magic happens, and it’s important to hone into that wherever you’re from.

These are the things that make us different, that make us special, and they need to be celebrated and preserved.

Who are the South African artists you grew up listening to, and from whose influence have you drawn or aspire to do so?

Tracy Chapman, Thandiswa Mazwai, Freshly Ground, Kanye West. Goodness me, the list is endless!

I’ve learned so much from them, from writing and protecting your writing, to having confidence even if you’re the only one who believes in that thing, to celebrating and leaning into your heritage.

You’ve worked alongside some major names in South African music. What have those experiences taught you about what it actually takes to have longevity in this industry?

I’m so thankful to God. I would say that it’s not just about the music. The music is the baseline, but you need more than a baseline to make a song, so essentially, it’s more than the music that allows you longevity.

What does being a South African artist mean to you right now?

It means the world is my oyster. Anything and everything is possible and, again, lean into what makes you, you.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel because no one is you and has print, so lean into that and carve a new path. We’ve been doing this as South Africa, and it’s imperative that we continue.

Do you think the South African music industry does enough to support emerging artists?

I think everyone can do more: the industry, the supporters, the artists and especially government.

Do you think South Africa is doing enough to develop emerging female artists in particular?

If by South Africa you mean the government, I would say more can always be done. Too many things are happening that shouldn’t be happening, but there has definitely been progress, and I’m excited to see more of it.

What’s something about the music business you wish someone had told you before you started?

In this day and age, I would say the importance of content. It literally goes hand in hand with the music. It’s important!

Did becoming an attorney make you approach the music industry differently from other artists?

Definitely. Don’t take anyone’s word for work stuff and just treat this like a job, whether you feel like it or not. And read your contracts! If you don’t understand, ask!

You’ve spoken about artists being vulnerable to exploitation because they don’t understand contracts. Has your legal background ever saved you from making a bad deal?

Yes. We all make mistakes and I’ve made my own fair share, but they are few and far in between. Having this knowledge has equipped me immensely! Even as far as knowing how to negotiate terms.

Have you ever wondered whether leaving law was a mistake?

All of the time. I know it wasn’t a mistake, but I definitely wonder, especially when things are on the down. I tend to think about that monthly income I traded for a dream. Haha.

What’s the most painful rejection you’ve experienced in music?

I had an opportunity to travel to London for a writing job and, last minute, it was no longer mine. That inspired a song titled iThemba, so I guess it all worked out because I love that song.

READ NEXT: