South Africa's “shining star” Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli, known as Elaine, has returned with an album announcement, reigniting her fans' excitement for her music.
After a lengthy hiatus, Mukheli has announced her highly anticipated album. With only one single, "Waiting On You," released on August 2, her fans have been eagerly awaiting new music.
Mukheli took to social media to announce that she's releasing her debut album, titled Stone Cold Heart, and shared the album art along with a note she wrote:
“I nearly lost my mind putting this album together, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat if I had to. I’m grateful to 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,” she wrote.
STONE COLD HEART - THE ALBUM 🫀 pic.twitter.com/HMOHEUAlXt
— Shining star (@elaineofficial_) September 30, 2024
Social media reactions
Her fans are, of course, excited and responded with messages of love and anticipation.
“Finally she's back, excited for this one,” says @sthedointhings on X.
I am rooting for your comeback. Go Elaine baby 🖤.
— K (@kay_living_) September 30, 2024
If there's one artist we as a country want to succeed so much definitely you. All the best hey
— SP🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@Vince__SP) September 30, 2024
The album artwork includes a South African postage stamp as well as a flight stamp, which might hint at her returning to her roots. It is set to be released in October, though the exact date is yet to be announced.
Her rise to stardom was one for the books. She first released her body of work titled “Elements,” a debut EP in 2019, which was well received, went platinum, and garnered her a fan base. Songs such as “You’re the One” and “Risky” gained popularity and put her on the map.
She signed with US Columbia Records in 2020, which some fans feel slowed her down.
“Whoever signed Elaine after her debut really messed up. She could have been a major artist right now, but I feel like she lost her identity as an artist and her music doesn’t slap anymore,” says @Jabulani_Macdonald on X.
“They made her music sound more appealing to the American audiences,” says @TshepisoMadubs.
IOL