Nathi Mankayi goes back to prison
Afro-pop singer Nathi Mankayi is returning to prison, but not as an inmate. The 41-year-old artist, who grew up in Maclear in the Eastern Cape, is now dedicating his time to helping inmates transform their lives.
Mankayi, who is currently planning his Silwa Nemimoya Picnic Tour, expressed his dream of seeing prisoners leave incarceration with a renewed outlook on life.
“I spent eight years in prison, and it was not nice. So, it’s my duty to make sure inmates get out and never come back. I’ll talk to them about my prison experience and how I stopped doing crime,” Nathi said.
A Troubled Past Turned into a Mission for Change
In 2006, Nathi was sentenced to eight years in prison for a robbery committed in 2002. He faced legal trouble again in 2019 for a business robbery but avoided further imprisonment through mediation. Nathi’s criminal activities stemmed from a desire to live a life he couldn’t afford, leading him to make poor choices influenced by the wrong crowd.
Having learned his lesson, Nathi is now committed to using his past experiences to mentor inmates.
“I’ve been to prisons and spoken to inmates about the dangers of committing crime. I should keep visiting different prisons. I’m sure it’ll have a positive impact,” he said.
A Musical Career Born from Redemption
After serving his sentence, Nathi turned his life around and pursued a career in music. In 2015, he released his debut album, Buyelekhaya, featuring hits like “Nomvula,” “Imibuzo,” and “Noba Ngumama.” His success in the music industry stands as a testament to his personal transformation and dedication to positive change.
Silwa Nemimoya Picnic Tour
Nathi’s upcoming tour, named Silwa Nemimoya, is set to begin on Saturday, June 22, at the Botanic Gardens in Durban. The tour is named after his song “Imimoya,” which has been well-received by fans.
“I recorded ‘Imimoya’ in 2022 as part of my album Usiba Lwegazi. Music fans love the song, that’s why I named the tour Silwa Nemimoya. The song is a mix of Afro-soul and gospel. I love the way it’s been received,” Nathi explained.
The tour will continue until November, with performances scheduled in various cities, including Gqeberha on October 19, Cape Town on September 7, Bloemfontein on September 21, Mthatha on October 5, and Johannesburg on November 9.
Bringing Local Talent to the Stage
In each city, Nathi will be introduced by local artists. In Durban, he will share the stage with maskandi singer Gatsheni (Khuzani Ndlovu), acknowledging the genre’s popularity in the province. Other performers include Naima Kay, The Soil, and Jumbo.
“I want everyone to be happy and satisfied,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to delivering a memorable experience for his fans.
Nathi Mankayi’s journey from a troubled past to a successful music career and his dedication to helping others demonstrates the power of redemption and the positive impact of using one’s experiences to inspire change.
