Afro House powerhouse Eleh returns with her latest album, My House, a vibrant nine-track celebration of rhythm, soul, and African grooves that captures the spirit of love, joy, and self-expression.
Infused with her signature blend of three-step swing, Afrotech energy, and Afro House soul, My House showcases Eleh’s mastery of sound, storytelling, and emotional depth. Each track pulses with warmth and vibrancy, merging the rhythm of the dancefloor with stories of healing, love, and resilience.
Beyond the beats, the album is a sonic journey across Africa’s cultural tapestry, blending different languages to create a sound that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.
Born Elekanyani Thelma Mathobo and affectionately known as Eleh, the singer credits her upbringing in Makwarela for shaping her musical foundation. Her childhood home was filled with jazz, R&B, and the rich sounds of her father’s vinyl records. A Choir Master and vocal coach, her father introduced her to music early, taking her to rehearsals and choral competitions.
“I was soaking up music all around me. Those early influences, blended with the R&B, pop, and hip-hop she loved in the ’90s, shaped her emotive, storytelling approach to music. Later, her performing arts studies refined her craft, while her Venda roots and choral background became the heartbeat of her sound,” she recalls.
Language plays a central role in Eleh’s artistry. Born in Venda, she has long sought to preserve and celebrate her culture and heritage through her music. Her songs weave together Venda nursery rhymes, folk melodies, and influences from Xhosa, Zulu, Tsonga, and English, a reflection of South Africa’s vibrant diversity.
By blending these languages, Eleh bridges cultural expression with universal emotion, crafting a sound that honors her roots while inviting global audiences to connect through rhythm and feeling.
The My House listening session, held on October 24, proved to be an emotional milestone that affirmed Eleh’s bold new musical direction.
She recalled walking into a room charged with warmth and anticipation, where fans sang, danced, and fully embraced her sound. Despite a few last-minute hiccups, the evening turned into a vibrant celebration, with the lead single Swinene drawing everyone to the dance floor. Eleh said the energy in the room was electric, filled with joy, connection, and gratitude, perfectly capturing the heart and spirit behind the album.
Eleh shared that creating her album was both a creative and personal breakthrough.
“This project really challenged me to dig deep and redefine who I am as an artist. I wanted to show growth, confidence, and authenticity in every song,” she said.
She explained that experimenting with new sounds, including performing a full Tsonga track, allowed her to stretch her artistry and embrace new layers of versatility.
“It pushed me to explore beyond my comfort zone while staying true to my Afro House roots,” Eleh added.
Collaboration played a major role in bringing the album to life. Eleh worked closely with Crosswavee, who co-created several tracks and featured on Udali Wami, along with DreamchaserXO, KLY, Trademark DJz, King Mshivo, Msamiati, Rude Kid Venda, and Gusba Banana.
“Every collaborator brought their own magic. They helped shape My House into something richer, more powerful, and true to the vision I had from the start,” she added.
Looking ahead, Eleh said she plans to keep pushing her sound forward while staying rooted in Afro House. My House, she explained, carries a message of hope and perseverance, a reminder that even through life’s challenges, music can heal, uplift, and move us forward.
The Star