There’s Hope in Music.

A literal setting like the Lesotho mountains can evoke sensations of power and security. Tshepo Charles Makoaela, professionally known as Charles Mak., traveled with time and discovered revelations on the version he is meant to be in this moment building towards creating his debut album “LUV”. 

The 25-year-old Kroonstad native is gradually showing up in the music space in ways that are more interactive than how you’d normally label a rapper. Starting off his journey jokingly with a friend back in between 2017/18, he thereafter reflected on where it really all started – during his early adolescence when he would casually use his brother’s cellphone to create beats which he shared with his mom and friends. Thankfully they encouraged him, because we wouldn’t have such a tasteful piece of art that was released independently on 8 January 2026.

Charles Mak. confesses that he titled this album “LUV” as a way to show gratitude to his supporters. Although during the process of finalizing it, he realized that the intended creation was motivated by all facets of love and how he defines that for himself. It’s quite evident as the beginning of the album pays homage to his family in Lesotho; track 1 ‘LUV (INTRO)’ which features a sample of Remo’s ‘Embrace You’, is a welcome home tune laying a platform of ease and affirmation. Track 2 ‘LIFE STILL GOOD’ is a Kwaito-esque record that salutes his father who managed to create a sustainable life for them and attain his goals with his residential move from Lesotho to South Africa. In the middle of the album we experience Charles Mak.’s romantic efforts on the melodious “I’M NOT A CRASH OUT” where his faint yet stable vocals relay a message of longing to his subject. And this emotion stretches when the transition to the following track “PELO (INTERLUDE)” validates how far gone for the girl he is.

“I’m like a good teacher in a way. I just want the world to be a better place. So, listening to me and all the information that I’ve gathered all my life would be great for anyone younger than me to learn from.”

The highlights of this album include the vocal efforts and effects by Charles Mak. where he seamlessly goes from whispering, singing, rapping and executive producing alongside producer TXXNE who assisted with production on some songs. There are additional/sampled instrumentals and vocals from artists such as Keywav, Ovuyonke, Joseph Solomon, K.O, and Frank Apollo’s “Yinhle” where Charles Mak.’s chivalry commands presence. Not forgetting the intrapersonal touch on the cover art which depicts his aim to connect with people in his natural state (cornrows).

He may currently be an independent artist and tends to work with local management agencies, but he’s open to signing and working with labels that will support his creative vision and help him reach his fullest potential. He describes his sound as Soul whether he traps or raps at any pace depending on the record. Harmonies are always the key to him and ensuring that the writing is personal. This sounds accurate considering that his musical influences are Kanye West: “Because like him I might’ve started off recording music, but I later learned how to produce. And to see someone like him record music, sing, rap, and produce all at once inspired me”, Drake for his consistency and writing, and Brent Faiyaz who he believes makes singing cool. His dream collaborations include Samthing Soweto, would like to write for Rihanna, DJ Maphorisa, among other greats.

“LUV” Cover Art

Subscribe to Charles Mak. on YouTube for his music and weekly vlogs, and follow him @charlesmakdot on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and TikTok.