BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Mthandazo Gatya has always known he has a talent for singing, growing up he sang in the school choir. However, when friends and relatives would ask him to sing for them, he would be too shy to do it.
“I remember sometimes they would catch me singing when doing my chores at home and as soon as I notice that they were listening or watching me, I would stop immediately. The idea of singing alone for someone or an audience intimidated me a little. With the choir I was able to hide in the group.”
Growing up in the dusty streets of KwaMajazana, a small township in the south of Johannesburg, Mthandazo would see child stars such as Mzambiya and Msawawa on television and imagine himself in the same position. He knew he had what it takes, and vowed to stop at nothing to achieve his dream.
Life after school
After completing his grade 12 studies, Mthandazo worked at a company as a cleaner, but because he was young, ambitious and full of energy he quickly climbed up the ladder and became part of the marketing and networking team. That is where he broke out of his shell and learned effective communication skills, and how to market himself as a brand.
A few years later, he decided to pursue his music career full time. Since then, Mthandazo has released three music projects – the most recent in September 2022.
Specializing in African music has always been his passion.
“I’ve always felt African music, culture and sounds need to be celebrated. But not only that, African artists should not shy away from expressing themselves in our languages. We need to give the world what it does or have, and that’s us; our ways.”
The Tik Tok video that went viral
Subsequently, when American singer, John Legend posted an open verse challenge on his Tik Tok account, Mthandazo took part and gave it and African flair.
“John Legend is an artist I’ve always looked up to. Even when I would audition for certain singing competitions, I would audition using some of his songs. One particular song that I really enjoy is ‘Stay with You’,” Mthandazo quietly sings the song.
So, when the man himself liked and commented on Mthandazo’s isiZulu verse on his open verse challenge, he was over the moon. Before this, Mthandazo never really thought he would ever get an opportunity to work with the legendary artist, but after this recent interaction, he realised that it is possible. “Amazing what technology and social media can do!” he says, beaming.
“I’m really grateful that even before John Legend saw my video, many people from South Africa, African and other parts of the world were already just loving it. The support is amazing and so humbling. That’s the most important thing to me: the people. I make music for the people, before the numbers and all matter, the people who will be at the receiving end of my music are my priority. I want to make music that heals people.” Mthandazo tells The Fuse.
Now, he is a Double Platinum certified singer/songwriter, and a South African Music Awards 27 nominee. “This just shows me that when you do something earnestly, people see it and will be willing to support you.”
Going forward, Mthandazo has goals of making more meaningful music and taking it beyond the African continent. And we’d say he’s on the right track!
Connect with Mthandazo: @mthandazogatya on all socials
Tell: 0614395806
Email: jozientertainmentpr@gmail.com
