About Max Mqhakayi

Dynamic worship leader, songwriter, and Collective Records recording artist Max Mqhakayi (born Masixole Mqhakayi) is set to release his highly anticipated debut solo album, The Effluence, towards the end of 2025. Hailing from Gugulethu, Cape Town, and now based in Dainfern, Gauteng, Max carries a rich legacy of faith and musical conviction, deeply shaped by his upbringing. "Nobody stayed home on Sunday," he recalls. "That discipline shaped my spiritual core."

Max’s debut album, The Effluence—a 9-track live recording produced by award-winning musician and producer Nqubeko Mbatha at TBN Studios in South Africa explores profound spiritual themes. "From desperate hunger for God’s presence to surrendered worship of His eternal glory, these songs weave a journey of faith—rooted in redemption, reliant on grace, and crowned with trust," says Max. His music is never about personal acclaim: "My music isn’t about me—it’s about the dry bones God wants to resurrect through every lyric."

Max is also a key member of The Jesus Collective since 2019 —an evangelical music organisation dedicated to uplifting communities through gospel and mentoring upcoming musicians. His artistry is rooted in lived testimony and prophetic expression, born from deeply personal experiences. It was during a profound "wilderness season" that Max wrote "Sivuselele" (meaning "Revive Us")—a powerful anthem featured on RESTORED, the debut album from The Jesus Collective, which was nominated for 7 Crown Gospel Music Awards and won three, including Album of the Year. Penned before the unexpected passing of his father, the song became a lifeline for him. "God used this song to breathe life into my shattered bones," Max shares. 

No stranger to the media, Max has been blessed to perform and be interviewed on radio and TV stations throughout South Africa, never taking a moment speaking or singing about Jesus for granted. Known for his electrifying stage presence and prophetic spontaneity, Max thrives in live worship settings. He contributed as both performer and co-writer on The Jesus Collective’s second album, FLOW Vol. 1, including the standout track "Making Ways", written with award-winning artist Khaya Mthethwa and produced by Asaph A. Ward (USA) and Brandon ‘Bobby’ George (SA). 

Flow Vol 1 was again nominated for seven Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2025, winning Best Gospel Group and Best Live Recording.  His songwriting reflects his heart for congregational worship and generational impact, with lyrics that unify believers across age and background.

Max has shared the stage with many of South Africa’s greatest gospel artists, including Ntokozo Mbambo, Khaya Mthethwa, Nqubeko Mbatha, Loyiso Bala, to name a few, as well as backed for international artists; Phil Thompson, Michael Bethany and Erica Campbell (Mary Mary).

Connect with Max:
📸 Instagram: [@MaxMqhakayi]
🎵 Stream FLOW Vol. 1 on all platforms
🏷️ Label: Collective Records