Nontokozo Mkhize Marks 27th Birthday With Six-Track EP 27:27
Nontokozo Mkhize Marks 27th Birthday With Six-Track EP 27:27. South African gospel powerhouse Nontokozo Hlengwa Mkhize has turned a personal milestone into a musical offering, releasing her new six-track EP 27:27 on 27 August 2026, the same day she celebrated her 27th birthday.
The title carries a deeply personal connection to the moment. Born on 27 August 1999 in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, the award-winning singer has chosen the number that defines her latest chapter as the title of a project centred on faith, worship and gratitude. Released through Sginci Media / EMPIRE, 27:27 is now available across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.
Apple Music describes the release as the follow-up to Mkhize’s award-winning 2025, noting that the singer has returned to give up the “Glory.” The statement points to the EP’s opening track, “Glory,” featuring Zawadi Yamungu, which arrived as a lead single on 21 August before becoming the project’s introduction.
The six-track EP unfolds with “Glory” featuring Zawadi Yamungu, followed by “Bakhanya,” “Buyelekhaya,” “Igama lakho,” “Mvula” and “Wamkeleke.” Together, the titles hint at a body of work shaped by themes of light, returning home, God’s name, rain and welcome.
The project arrives after the emotional weight of Mkhize’s breakthrough album Lindiwe and its deluxe edition, which honoured the memory of her late mother. Where that album carried the tenderness of remembrance, 27:27 feels more reflective and devotional, offering a glimpse into Mkhize’s relationship with God as she enters another chapter of her life.
The release also adds another milestone to a remarkable rise that has seen Mkhize move from backing vocalist to one of South Africa’s most prominent gospel voices. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she spent years singing behind performers such as Benjamin Dube and Sjava. Her 2023 collaboration with Nomfundo Moh on “Lu Strong” helped introduce her to a wider audience, before “Esandleni” became a defining breakthrough.
“Esandleni” debuted at number one on Spotify South Africa and set a record for the most-streamed solo song by a female artist in a single week, helping establish Mkhize as a formidable force on the country’s streaming landscape.
Her momentum continued with Lindiwe, which became the only gospel album to feature among Spotify South Africa’s top 10 most-streamed albums of 2025. The success further cemented Mkhize’s ability to carry gospel music into spaces traditionally dominated by other genres.
Her growing influence was recognised again this month when she and her co-writers received the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award at the 32nd South African Music Awards. The achievement marked another significant moment for gospel in a category that has frequently been led by amapiano and dance music.
Mkhize’s trophy cabinet already includes Newcomer of the Year at the SAMAs, Song of the Year and Gospel Artist of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards, Metro FM Best Newcomer and Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa at the AFRIMA awards.
Beyond the accolades, Mkhize has increasingly spoken about her desire to make gospel music accessible beyond traditional church spaces. Her vision has been to create music that connects with people through everyday experiences, struggles, hope and healing.
At six tracks, 27:27 delivers that message in a more intimate format. Rather than stretching the moment into a lengthy project, Mkhize has created a concise collection that allows its spiritual themes to breathe.
The EP also arrives as gospel and worship music continue to gain significant ground in South Africa’s streaming culture. Mkhize has emerged as one of the artists helping drive that movement, blending contemporary gospel with modern production while maintaining the faith-driven foundation at the heart of her music.
At 27, Mkhize is no longer simply marking another birthday. With 27:27, she has transformed the occasion into a statement of faith, reflection and gratitude. The number may represent her age, but the music suggests something deeper: a new chapter in which Nontokozo Mkhize is increasingly comfortable owning her voice and directing the spotlight back to the One she sings about.
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