In the year 2020, Elaine’s name had become a household name following the success of her first EP ‘Elements’ which took South Africa by storm. At the time, the R&B genre had not fully been tapped into by South African artists, which made going mainstream a difficult feat, but Elaine was determined to pursue her dream of being a singer.
Born Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli, Elaine’s journey in the music industry has not been an easy one. When she blew up for her hit songs such as ‘Risky’ and ‘You’re the one’, all eyes were on the young songstress, with fans and haters alike, waiting to see her next moves after becoming the first independent artist to go number one on apple music and iTunes album charts.
In December of 2020, Elained signed to American record label Colombia Records, which many felt as though it was not the right move for her, which in retrospect, turned out to be true. Her supporters believed that her sound changed and catered more to the American market, which was inauthentic Elaine, therefore losing some of her core fanbase.
She then shocked the country with her transition into amapiano, which had everyone wondering whether everything was okay with her and her career.
I saw a video of Elaine performing and chanting ‘Gwiralang’.
I’m still shocked.
— iCherry 2.0 (@BiKeR626) March 6, 2024
As of late, the ‘Risky’ singer has been sharing snippets of her new music and from what we can tell, it is sounding like the old Elaine, and Mzansi is loving it. Taking to her social media, she first shared news of her new album that is set to drop this Friday, and she is keeping the anticipation alive as she shares snippets of what her fans can expect from the project.
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Elaine is dropping her debut album on friday, I’m not tryna hear no sucka shit from anyone. We’re only appreciating the music this weekend, critiques and allat extra stuff are due in two weeks time. The fact that she’s even dropping is a blessing given what she’s been through
— BETARADIOSOUND 💿 (@derek_jpeg) October 9, 2024
Upon announcing the upcoming release of her album, Elaine penned a heartfelt message to her fans and supporters, thanking them for their unwavering love and support. She also shows appreciation to those who were involved in the creation of the project.
” I nearly lost my mind trying to put this album together, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. I’m grateful for everyone that poured into me and into this album. These songs hold the key to my heart and the truth behind all my pain, but we’ll get into it when we meet again. Thank you for riding with me, this love and this life is a dream come true. All my love, still… your shining star,” the message reads.
Much like we are, Mzansi is ready to hear what the shining star has in store for them as she is known for her sing-along bangers. Her album comes just in time for the summer, giving the hopeless romantics some fresh tunes to enjoy this festive.
Now I have something to look forward to! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/rBzAtdDteI
— Tlhalefo. 🌊 (@Tlhaxdova) October 8, 2024
Okay, we’re back 😭😭😭😍😍😍. I WILL be seated
— Ukhethe Mina (@Gyre_SA) October 9, 2024