SA: Mjolisi releases new album ‘Kuphelele’

Released on 21 August, Kuphelele explores themes including love, perseverance, gratitude, personal growth and achievement, while maintaining Mjolisi’s focus on storytelling and Maskandi traditions.

The album’s lead single, Kuphelele, features vocalist MaWhoo, while ‘Ngaze Ngak'thanda’ has also emerged as one of the early highlights among listeners.

The release follows a private listening session hosted by Sony Music Entertainment Africa at Sony Studios in Johannesburg on 19 August. More than 50 media representatives, industry stakeholders and figures from the Maskandi community attended the event.

“Kuphelele represents a very important stage in my journey,” Mjolisi said. “This album reflects where I am in life, the lessons I've learned, and the dreams I'm still chasing. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career and I hope fans connect with these songs as deeply as I do. This is only the beginning of a very exciting chapter.”

The album is being supported by a national promotional campaign that includes social media content, influencer partnerships, radio and media appearances, visualisers and live performances.

Mjolisi is also scheduled to appear in the Freshman Live Sessions, with the performance set to premiere on 28 August. The campaign will include further fan engagements, community activations, meet-and-greet sessions and a university tour covering KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

Upcoming engagements include appearances at Albert Park, KwaDladla and the Zwide Music Festival.

The album follows Mjolisi’s growing presence in the South African Maskandi scene and comes as the artist continues to expand his audience while maintaining a focus on the genre’s storytelling and cultural identity.