Manana Drops New Album “It Really Isn’t What It Is”.

Manana Drops New Album “It Really Isn’t What It Is”: A Deeper Look

Afro-soul artist Ndumiso Manana has officially released his highly anticipated new album, it really isn’t what it is, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked about South African projects of the year.

About The Album

The 10-track project is now available across all major streaming platforms, including Spotify. It brings together previously released singles like “Calendar” and “Don’t Say The Words” alongside a full body of new work, rounding out a collection that feels both intimate and expansive.

Manana didn’t do this one alone. The album features guest appearances from some of South Africa’s biggest names. Nasty C joins him on “Alright”, Lusanda features on “No More”, and Kali Claire lends her voice to “Talking Stages”. Each collaboration brings its own flavour to the project without pulling it away from Manana’s signature soul sound.

The Story Behind The Sound

Ahead of the release, Manana opened up about what the album really represents. He described it as a project built around honesty, particularly the honesty that often gets lost in how artists are expected to present themselves.

He spoke about the pressure that comes with the polished, curated nature of social media and how that can make it hard for artists to be upfront about what releasing music actually costs them, emotionally and otherwise, especially as a niche artist working outside the mainstream.

At the heart of the album is a meditation on love and heartbreak, and how neither is ever quite as extreme or as constant as we make it out to be. Manana has said that both intense love and intense heartbreak are, in a sense, false. Infatuation doesn’t stay at its peak forever, and heartbreak doesn’t either. Both eventually settle somewhere in the middle, and that’s really what the album is exploring.

A Career Built On Depth

This new project adds to what’s already a impressive catalogue. Manana burst onto the scene in 2020 with his debut album, in the beginning was the end, and has since built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most versatile voices in soul and R&B.

Beyond his own discography, he’s also made a name for himself as a songwriter for other major artists. He contributed to Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall, and has written for the likes of Usher, Tyla, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Amanda Black, Ami Faku and Shekinah.

His talent has been recognised at the highest levels too. He picked up the 2023 SAMA for Best R&B/Soul Album for But Could The Moments In Between, and was named the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, one of South Africa’s most respected honours for young creative talent.

Where To Listen

it really isn’t what it is is out now and streaming on Spotify and all major platforms. If you’re a fan of soulful storytelling, honest songwriting and music that doesn’t try to be more than it is, this project is well worth your time.