Nathi real/full name is Nkosinathi Mankayi, He was born 23 December 1982, Nathi is a South African singer-songwriter and artist. He came to limelight upon the release of his critically acclaimed song titled “Nomvula” off his triple-platinum debut studio album Buyelekhaya. He is presently signed under Ghetto Ruff/Muthaland Entertainment, a South African independent record label.
Nathi, an Eastern Cape born artist who grew up in Maclear, near the
Mooi River, is no exception to the unshaken posture of the fatherless
epidemic. His father left the Eastern Cape for Johannesburg in search of
a better life for him and his family, but his endeavor for greener
pastures would be no journey back home.
Surrounded by poverty and the seeming lack of opportunities in one of
South Africa’s most poverty stricken provinces, Nathi’s mother had to
make do aggressively selling a line of goods to aid in raising Nathi and
his five siblings. In spite of the poverty and gloom surrounding Nathi,
he found solace in the arts. The growing realization that with his
background, he would face difficulties in changing his unfavorable life
led him to seek singing and song writing, sculpting and the fine arts as
refuge from a much more difficult world.
Came the year 2013 which saw Nathi use his innate talent of singing
to enter the Dare TO Dream competition sponsored by the Elundi
Municipality (local municipality) in which he emerged triumphant in
first position. That would be start to great things for Nathi.
In the December of 2014, Vusi Nova made Nathi’s acquaintance through
their music manager, and taken by the quality and sheer talent apparent
in both the artist’s music, collaboration was put forward. “We
realized that we have a lot of common interests. So we just gradually
started working on music together. Nathi sings with such profound
sincerity that it’s just so hard no to want to work with him. He’s
authentic.”,- Vusi Nova explains about the significant collaboration with Nathi.
It was with their creative magic that “Nomakanjani” was
conceived; a rendition of the late Brenda Fassie’s hit song, and within
the first week of its release, the track had achieved a huge success
reaching the Top 10 of various South African radio station charts.
Nathi has since then been way ahead of the rest to top the
charts. His album, “Buyelekhaya”, is captivating and moving debut that
ushers the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent, one whose
music feels familiar in the best way while striking out in its own
domain.
The album was released through to iTunes in the March of 2015 and
currently has 10 songs (entire album) on the World Charts, all within
the top 30, with the first single “Nomvula” sitting on number 1. The
album is also South Africa’s fastest selling record (Musica’s #1 Best
Seller). The single “Nomvula” has achieved the feat of being a cross
over his having been play-listed and entering radio charts of Highveld
Stereo’s Coke Top 40, GoodHope FM’s Top 30 and Algoa FM’s Top 30.
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Apart from that, the song has been on high rotation in Nigeria, Ghana
and Botswana, and on the Metro FM Top 30 Experience charts at #1 for 10
weeks and counting, and on Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene, Rise, Tru FM
amongst a plethora.
“Buyelekhaya” has managed to secure gold, platinum status and then
double platinum within the span of 6 weeks which is quite impressive
considering that the first single “Nomvula” is still making the rounds
with Nathi’s ever-growing rabid fan base which includes the likes of
Bonang Matheba of The Front Row on Metro FM declare her public approval
of the song.
In his philanthropic efforts, Nathi has teamed up with various other
artists of his stable, Ghetto Ruff/ Muthaland Entertainment for the
Stand4 South Africa Campaign, which is a school, and community
development project that seeks to raise social consciousness among the
youth.
Nathi’s story is one filled with pangs and toils, and listeners may
find themselves enthusiastic about his resonating sounds. He unshakeable
fits the category of an artist that is well put together, in full
command of his craft, music and identify.
He credits four magic letters which he says best describe his music, -“ L.O.V.E”.
Best Newcomer AFRIMMA AWARD 2016 Nominees.
Instagram: nathi_mankayi
references: http://www.nathimankayi.co.za/biography/, wikipedia
