BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MANZINI– Soulful artist Cool Drop, real name Mancoba Mndzebele, is preparing to release his deeply personal album Emakhaya, a project that he describes as a heartfelt tribute to love, struggle, and the roots that shaped him.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the title, Cool Drop revealed that Emakhaya, which means “home”, came from the deepest part of his heart. “Having been away from home for years in pursuit of my dreams, I found myself constantly drawn back to the memories of where I come from. Emakhaya is not just a place, it is the love of family, the warmth of community, the innocence of childhood, and the presence of a life partner you long for when distance keeps you apart,” he explained.
The album, which has been in the making for years, grew from fragments of lyrics, melodies, and poems he wrote whenever he felt the longing for home. “Over time, I noticed all those pieces had one common theme: home and love. That’s when I understood this wasn’t just a collection of songs, it was my life story unfolding,” he said.
Cool Drop wants listeners to embark on an emotional journey through his music, one that mirrors both the joy of love and the hardships of struggle. The songs explore the warmth of companionship, the pain of distance, and the resilience that comes from overcoming life’s challenges. “My hope is that each listener will find a piece of their own story in mine, because we all know what it feels like to love deeply and to struggle for something better,” he added.
Almost every track on Emakhaya carries personal experiences. From the struggles of growing up to the challenges of long-distance love, Cool Drop says the songs are more than melodies, they are chapters of his life. “These songs are not just written to sound good; they are my truth. That’s why the album feels so raw and relatable,” he noted.
The project also marks artistic growth for Cool Drop, who collaborated with DJ Citie, a host of Eswatini artists, and two major South African acts. He described the creative process as a blend of authenticity and innovation. “The local artists brought the heartbeat of emakhaya, while the international collaborations added a fresh flavor. Working with them wasn’t just about recording verses, it was about sharing emotions, exchanging stories, and building a bond that went beyond music,” he shared.
Although rooted in his personal story, Emakhaya is designed to resonate universally. “For people from rural backgrounds, this album will feel like home. But at the same time, the emotions are universal. Everyone knows what it means to love, to struggle, to miss someone, or to long for home,” Cool Drop emphasized.
Above all, he hopes the project will be healing for listeners: “I want them to feel the warmth of love, the sting of distance, the pride of our stories as Africans being told, and the comfort that they are not alone. I want Emakhaya to be like a warm embrace from home.”
Fans can follow Mancoba “Cool Drop” Mndzebele on social media for updates:
Facebook: M Cool Drop
Instagram: M Cool Drop
TikTok: Cool Drop
(Courtesy Pics)
