Shekhinah’s first album in four years, and it’s worth every second of the wait. Released on August 8, 2025, the date wasn’t random. Less than 24 hours later, Shekhinah would headline Rosefest, her all-women music festival at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
The new album is more than a comeback; it’s a collaborative statement. Shekhinah’s voice still carries the emotional weight we know her for, but here, she leans into a roster of artists who bring their own fire. From Afropop sparkle to amapiano groove, these four collaborations are the heartbeat of Less Trouble.
Shekhinah, who had been mostly quiet this year, broke her silence with an Instagram post: “If you’re seeing this, my album LESS TROUBLE is out now at midnight.” No hype campaign, no drawn-out teaser rollout, just a confident announcement and the music itself. Within hours, fans were sharing the vibrant cover art, the 11-track listing, and early reactions to what is easily one of her most cohesive and daring projects to date.
Beyond the Features – Shekhinah’s Growth Is the Real Story
While the collaborations shine, Less Trouble is still very much Shekhinah’s album. Tracks like “Hard to Leave,” “New Casanova,” and the two-part “Steady” show her range — from vulnerable to unapologetic, dreamy to direct. The closer, “Until Until,” leaves you with optimism, like she’s not just surviving love but defining it on her own terms.
1. Lordkez
Keziah Zoe Meyers, better known as Lordkez, is the kind of artist critics can’t stop writing about. British GQ called her “impossibly cool,” and on “Bare Minimum,” you hear why. Her voice glides over the beat like it’s built for it, matching Shekhinah’s smooth delivery with an understated edge.
The track is minimalist in production but maximal in mood. The interplay between their voices creates a push-and-pull energy, perfect for a song about knowing your worth and refusing to settle. It’s not flashy, it’s intentional. And in a world of overproduced collabs, that restraint makes it even stronger.
2. Moliy
If “Risk” feels familiar, it’s because you’ve probably heard Moliy’s voice before, maybe on Amaarae’s viral “Sad Girlz Luv Money,” which hit both US and UK charts. Here, the Ghanaian-American singer brings that same charisma to Shekhinah’s lead single from Less Trouble.
It’s bright, bouncy, and addictive, a fusion of Afropop and R&B that doesn’t just get stuck in your head; it moves into your body. The two voices blend seamlessly, making it sound less like a guest feature and more like a natural duet. Moliy’s delivery has a breezy confidence, and Shekhinah matches it bar for bar, creating a track that’s both summer-ready and emotionally charged.
3. Young Stunna
When Young Stunna steps into a track, you know it’s about to hit differently. Known for amapiano anthems like “Bopha” and “Adiwele,” he brings his signature street-smart energy to “Spoonky,” giving Less Trouble one of its boldest moments.
The production leans heavy into deep bass and rolling log drums, yet Shekhinah’s airy vocals balance it with softness. Stunna’s verses cut through with grit and personality, making this track the wild card of the album. It’s unexpected, and that’s exactly why it works. Shekhinah isn’t afraid to step outside her comfort zone, and with Stunna, she proves she can ride any wave.
4. Mars Baby
Mars Baby is a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter who’s quietly becoming one of South Africa’s most interesting R&B voices. Raised between Cape Town and the US and now based in Johannesburg, his sound is a blend of soulful vulnerability and sharp production.
On “Too Good to Fail,” he and Shekhinah build something tender yet powerful. The track is layered, warm guitar tones, gentle percussion, and harmonies that feel like late-night conversations. Lyrically, it’s about holding onto something real in a world that’s constantly testing it. Mars Baby doesn’t just feature here; he helps shape the emotional spine of the song.
Releasing it on the eve of Women’s Day, followed by her headlining Rosefest, transforms it from just an album drop into a cultural moment. It’s a reminder that Shekhinah is more than an artist, she’s a voice for connection, confidence, and creativity in South African music.
If you’ve been missing her presence over the past four years, Less Trouble is your reminder that Shekhinah returns not with noise, but with intention. And in this case, less trouble means more music worth keeping on repeat.
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