HITMAKER Nkosinathi “Nathi ” Mankayi turned the dreams of an 11-year-old girl into reality when he unexpectedly showed up at her doorstep on Friday.
Dubbed the young Zahara, Lusanda Mkhawanazi of Kagiso on the West Rand was left speechless when she answered the door to be greeted by the Afro-pop star.
As if seeing the Nomvula singer was not good enough, the artist whipped out a brand new guitar that he had brought as a gift for Lusanda.
Mankayi (34) was introduced to Lusanda by one of his backing vocalists Maria Malunga from Kagiso because she believed that the Grade 6 pupil possessed exceptional talent.
During the visit, where a Sunday World team was also invited, the little girl blew Nathi away with her performance of his hit song Nomvula as well as Zahara’s Destiny.
Mankayi said that he was impressed with the talented Lusanda.
“South Africa must know that we have just discovered a little Zahara. It’s so wonderful to see things like these happen to young people. We didn’t get these chances while we were growing up and that is why we want to help her,” he said. Mankayi said he wanted Lusanda to use the guitar to do what she loves and forget about her impoverished background.
He said parents must always recognise talent and try hard to do something about it. Lusanda’s mother, Thembisile Mgodlola, said she was happy with the gift as she could not afford to buy her daughter a guitar.
The mother of three, who is renting a one-roomed shack in the township, said she depended on the government ’ s social grant to take care of her children.
“I’m very happy about what Nathi has done for my daughter. I’m so speechless and I know God has seen this. I wish him (Nathi) all good things in life,” she said.
Mgodlola said she noticed a few years ago that her daughter was talented when she started making her own guitar using oil cans and planks and singing Zahara’s Loliwe.
“It’s a pity her father is not here to see this because he passed away in a car accident that happened in Tembisa in 2007.
“When it comes to school I am relaxed because Lusanda is doing well. She is also going to teach other kids how to play the guitar as part of a school project,” she said.
Lusanda said: “I want to thank Nathi for visiting me. My surprise for him was to sing Nomvula because I knew they will think I will sing Zahara’s songs only. I started to learn Nomvula in November last year, she said.
Source:Sunday World