Star singer to remix hit with 3-year-old fan

Toddler’s version of song ‘Nomvula’ delights family by going viral on social media, writes ASANDA SOKANYILE

SINGING sensation Nathi Mankayi is recording a remix of his hit song Nomvula with a three-year-old fan. Mthombo Ndibaza caught Mankayi’s attention when a YouTube video of the little boy singing Nomvula went viral on social media and was shared on Facebook, Instagram and tweeted about on Twitter.

A gardener recorded Mthombo singing the song while waiting for his checkup at a clinic in King William’s Town.

Mthombo’s aunt, Lusanda Ndibaza, told Weekend Argus that the family was astonished the video had become so popular and they had no idea that it would lead to Mankayi recording a remix of the song with her nephew.

“We were just having fun when we took that clip of him singing Nomvula. He loves Nathi’s music so much, he sings along to it all the time. I guess people just saw this cute boy singing and one person sent it to the next person on WhatsApp and so it went until someone put it up on YouTube.

“We’ve never had anyone famous in our family. We were shocked and nervous when the video was put up.”

Ndibaza said although Mthombo was only 3 and “doesn’t really understand what the hype is about, he is happy to have met Nathi”.

Mthombo and Mankayi met last Saturday at the radio station Tru FM’s Tru talent awards in the Eastern Cape.

Ndibaza, who lives with Mthombo in Zwelitsha, said she had not believed it when the youngster was invited on to the show.

“Mthombo was so excited to meet his idol and perform with him. The family was so proud of the little boy was the amount of talent he has. We never had an opportunity for our talents to be recognised at such a young age, so I am happy to have been able to give Mthombo this platform. We have started working on a house remix. The song won’t change much, but we have added a twist with Mthombo and the final product will sound amazing.”

Mankayi also felt emotional when he realised that Mthombo knew all 10 songs on his album. He would love to record more music with him in the near future.

“He is so young and yet so talented, I would love to work with him when he is older because he has shown what he is capable of. He may not grasp the level of his talent just yet, but hopefully one day he will realise just how amazing he is,” Mankayi said.

‘Mthombo loves