Award-winning South African musician Manana is preparing to unveil his highly anticipated new album, It Really Isn’t What It Is, marking another significant milestone in a career that has rapidly gained both local and international recognition.
Known for his soulful sound, heartfelt songwriting and exceptional musical versatility, Manana has become one of South Africa’s most respected contemporary artists. Since breaking onto the music scene with his 2020 debut album, In The Beginning Was The End, he has steadily built a reputation as a gifted singer, songwriter and producer capable of crafting deeply personal music that resonates across borders.
The upcoming album promises to offer listeners an intimate look into the emotional highs and lows that have shaped his recent years, while continuing to showcase the rich storytelling that has become his trademark.
Manana’s Journey From Songwriter to Award-Winning Artist
Although many fans know Manana for his captivating performances, the artist says songwriting remains his greatest passion.
The Afro-soul musician has written songs for some of the biggest names in the global music industry. His songwriting credits include contributions to Burna Boy’s Grammy Award-winning album Twice As Tall, a project that helped cement his growing international reputation.
Beyond Burna Boy, Manana has collaborated with an impressive list of artists, including Usher, Pheelz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Tyla, Amanda Black, Ami Faku and Shekhinah. These partnerships have highlighted his ability to blend genres while creating music that connects with audiences worldwide.
His remarkable achievements have also earned industry recognition. After winning the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best R&B/Soul Album in 2023 for But Could The Moments In Between, Manana was honoured with the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music in 2026.
Manana Credits Education for His Musical Success
Behind Manana’s success is years of dedication to mastering his craft. A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s music programme, he also credits the Drakensberg Boys Choir for laying the foundation of his musical development.
According to the artist, natural talent alone was never enough.
He explains that while he always possessed musical ability, he spent years learning from experienced educators who challenged him to improve. Music teachers played a life-changing role throughout his childhood and early career, while his fascination with the music industry first developed through songwriting rather than performing.
That commitment to continuous learning has helped shape the polished musician audiences know today.
Why Manana Chooses Songwriting Over the Spotlight
Despite his growing popularity as a performer, Manana admits that songwriting gives him greater satisfaction than standing on stage.
He acknowledges that many people are surprised when he shares this perspective, as most assume performing would naturally be his favourite part of being an artist.
For Manana, however, creating music behind the scenes offers a unique emotional reward. One of his most memorable career moments came after writing a song for award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo. After sending her a demo version, he later received the completed recording from the international star.
Hearing Erivo perform the song moved him deeply. The experience, he says, nearly brought him to tears because it reminded him of the extraordinary impact songwriting can have. Watching another artist bring his creative vision to life was more fulfilling than receiving applause from a live audience.
For Manana, those moments reaffirm why songwriting remains at the heart of everything he does.
Manana Explores Authenticity on It Really Isn’t What It Is
The title of Manana’s new album reflects conversations he has shared with fellow musicians, producers and creatives about the realities of life in today’s music industry.
It Really Isn’t What It Is explores the contrast between carefully curated online personas and the genuine emotional cost of pursuing a career in music.
According to Manana, artists are often expected to present a polished image on social media while hiding the personal sacrifices, struggles and uncertainty that come with their profession. The album seeks to tell those untold stories through honest lyrics and emotionally rich production.
Rather than portraying life through extremes, Manana says he wanted to capture the quieter emotional moments that exist between overwhelming joy and painful heartbreak.
He believes both intense love and devastating heartbreak can be temporary emotional states, and that real life is often lived somewhere in the middle.
With a laugh, he describes himself as someone who appreciates “a good B-Plus,” suggesting that balance and authenticity are more meaningful than chasing perfection.
As anticipation continues to build ahead of the album’s release, fans can expect Manana to once again deliver thoughtful songwriting, soulful melodies and deeply personal storytelling that have made him one of South Africa’s most admired musical voices.
Source: EWN
