Singing sensation Nathi Mankayi’s sister Amanda is taking the airwaves by storm with the release of her single, Intonga yam.
Amanda released the single featuring Nathi last month and has been receiving major airplay on stations such as Metro FM.
The two are now signed under the same label, Muthaland Entertainment.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Amanda said she has always known that her breakthrough would come.
“We knew that this day would come and I understood that we wouldn’t break through the industry at the same time and that one of us had to pave the way,” she said.
“I don’t get offended when people refer to me as Nathi’s younger sister.
“This shows that our family is gifted and that’s it.”
In 2011, the two entered the Elundini Local Municipality music competition called Dare To Dream, which Amanda won.
“Growing up people knew me as a singer and Nathi was working on his sculptures and painting but I always told them they should hear him sing because he is a great singer,” she said.
After winning the music competition, Amanda went on to record an album but that did not get her anywhere in her music career.
A year later Nathi won the same music competition and got a chance to work with Jaziel Brothers.
In 2014, Nathi moved to Johannesburg to follow his dream of being a musician. He got his big break last year and went on to win two Metro FM Music Awards.
Following in her brother’s footsteps, last year Amanda left East London for Johannesburg to pursue a career in music. While waiting for her big break, she studied music.
The afro-soul singer said she was currently busy in studio recording her upcoming album.
“I’ve been getting invites to go perform in places but I am focusing on my album at the moment. As soon as that’s done I will be doing shows,” she said.
Earlier this year, Nathi told the Daily Dispatch that 2016 would be his sister’s year. Yesterday, he said there was still more to come from her.
“I am happy for her because this has always been our dream and now that dream is a reality. I am also glad that people are receiving her well and I just want her to keep pushing,” he said.
He added that he would be featuring her on some of his songs. “I like including her when I am doing something. People will see us working together a lot,” he said.
Amanda’s debut album is expected to be out by next month. She said the album would be a mixture of afro-fusion, gospel and jazz. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za