BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Rising artist and model Aphelele Ndlangamandla, performing under the name Apes, has officially released his debut musical project, an emotionally profound EP titled Love Turned Me Psycho.
Released on January 16, 2026, the five-track collection offers a candid look into the complexities of human emotion, capturing the raw transition from affection to deep vulnerability.
Love Turned Me Psycho is an emotionally charged project that explores the psychological landscape following the end of a relationship. Sonically, the EP features moody, stripped-back production that creates a dedicated space for tension and inner conflict. Rather than seeking quick resolution, the project embraces the truth of a mind navigating intense feelings in real-time.
Ndlangamandla shared that the project’s direction was born from authentic experience. “I really wanted to drop a project after finishing school, just to get my music journey going,” he explained. “But life had other plans, and everything happening at that time naturally poured into the music—nothing was intentional, just writing from feeling”. To preserve this sincerity, he recorded initial demos on his phone to ensure the final songs maintained their original emotional “feel”.
The EP’s striking cover art, which depicts the artist with an arrow through his chest, serves as a powerful metaphor for the unexpected nature of emotional impact.
“I was trying to paint a picture of how heartbreak feels like,” Ndlangamandla noted regarding the imagery. “I first imagined an arrow through my heart but I later changed it—the arrow hits me from the back because we don’t expect it coming”.
This narrative of navigation and healing is reflected in the complete tracklist:
- Intro
- Losing Control
- Psycho
- Theme Song (ft. Sisekelo Shawn)
- Be Okay (Outro)
Currently, the EP is available exclusively on SoundCloud as the artist works toward securing the ideal distribution partner for a wider release. Despite its limited platform availability, the project is already resonating with listeners who appreciate its cohesive and honest approach to storytelling.
Listen to ‘Love Turned Me Psycho’ on SoundCloud: Apes – Love Turned Me Psycho
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(Courtesy Pic)
