Well-known Afro-Pop singer Nathi Mankayi goes back to prison. This time, not as a prisoner but to help inmates improve their lives.
Nathi (41), who grew up in Maclear in the Eastern Cape and is currently planning his Silwa Nemimoya Picnic Tour, said his big dream is to see people in prison come out changed.
āI spent eight years in prison, and it was not nice. So, itās my duty to make sure inmates get out and never come back. Iāll talk to them about my prison experience and how I stopped doing crime,ā Nathi said.
In 2006, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for committing a robbery in 2002. He was also arrested in 2019 for a business robbery but escaped prison through mediation.
He said he was raised by a single mother and wanted to live a life he couldnāt afford.
Thatās when he started hanging around with the wrong crowd, which landed him behind bars.
Nathi said he has learnt his lesson and wanted to help others.āIāve been to prisons and spoken to inmates about the dangers of committing crime. I should keep visiting different prisons. Iām sure itāll have a positive impact,ā he said.After serving his sentence, Nathi came out and started making music.
In 2015, he released his debut album titled Buyelekhaya, which included hits such as Nomvula, Imibuzo and Noba Ngumama.
Speaking about the tour, which kicks off on Saturday, 22 June at the Botanic Gardens in Durban, Nathi said he named it Silwa Nemimoya because his song Imimoya caused such a stir.āI recorded Imimoya in 2022 as part of my album Usiba Lwegazi. Music fans love the song, thatās why I named the tour Silwa Nemimoya. The song is a mix of Afro-soul and gospel. I love the way itās been received.ā
Nathi revealed that his tour will continue until November.
āIn each city Iām introduced by local artists. In KZN, Iāve brought maskandi singer Gatsheni (Khuzani Ndlovu) because I know maskandi is dominating in this province and Gatsheni is a big musician at the moment. I want everyone to be happy and satisfied,ā he said.
The singerās tour will also take place in Gqebegha on 19 October, Cape Town on 7 September, Bloemfontein on 21 September, Mthatha on 5 October, and Joburg on 9 November.
In addition to Gatsheni in Durban, Nathi will also perform at Naima Kay, The Soil, and Jumbo.