Rising Afropop artist Elkay Macburner returns with a powerful new love anthem titled “In Your Presence,” featuring celebrated Maskandi artist Ziyamkhwelezela. The single, set to release on June 21, is a genre-blending masterpiece that fuses the smooth rhythms of Afropop with the soulful storytelling of Maskandi and the universal appeal of pop.
“In Your Presence” is a heartfelt celebration of intimacy, devotion, and emotional connection. It pairs lush melodic production with deeply rooted cultural expression, allowing both artists to shine in a beautifully harmonised collaboration. Elkay Macburner’s urban polish meets Ziyamkhwelezela’s traditional influence, creating a fresh and distinctly South African sound that will resonate across audiences locally and globally.
“This song is about vulnerability and love, about feeling seen and safe with someone — no matter where you’re from,” says Elkay. “Bringing Ziyamkhwelezela into this track was intentional. It’s about honouring where we come from, and where we’re going as artists.”
The single marks a bold step forward for Elkay Macburner, who is currently working on a new EP that will continue exploring African fusions and romantic themes. The release will be supported by a targeted digital campaign including social media rollouts, fan engagement activations, and radio pitching across Southern Africa.
“In Your Presence” will be available on all major streaming platforms.
About Elkay Macburner
Lungelo “Elkay Macburner” Mabaso was born and bred in Watersmeet ePhayikeni esgodini sasegcabhane in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. He grew up listening to many genres of music, but his biggest influences came from the ones that fed his soul with raw emotions: the craziest underground Hip Hop, Kwaito, Afro-pop, gospel, and maskandi.
He participated in talent searches and competitions like Idols, Moshito Music Conference 2022-2023, Ushuni Womhlaba, UkhoziFm Music indaba and The Lion King, with more than 10 (ten) years in the music industry as a producer/composer, vocalist, songwriter, sound engineer and owning his own company “Macburnersa Group Pty Ltd”. Elkay Mcburner have managed to give the platform to other creatives by starting a crew called “cashminers” to allow up-coming artists to record and release music in collaboration with him.
He is also a founder of a project called NUMISA, a groundbreaking music tech innovation designed to empower artists and record labels with more innovative, more effective ways to penetrate markets, boost visibility, and drive music sales. At its core, NUMISA leverages cutting-edge technology—artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation—to revolutionise how music is distributed, promoted, and monetised.
He had been working with a recording studio called “Sizakancane Music” as a producer/composer, vocalist, instrumentalist, graphic designer, and sound engineer, producing “kwaito, Afro house, afro-pop, Hip-Hop, gospel, and maskandi music.”
Sharing a stage with upcoming and well-known artists or celebrities like Mdu Masilela, Phuzekhemisi, Drenko, Black Blondy, Ziphora Msiza, and Tony Mal are some of the experiences that gave him more courage to keep fighting and gaining more love for the industry.
