Nathi a�?the new Ringoa��

Bruce Ndlovu
After serenading listeners and emerging as one of the new voices of the Afro Soul genre, since the release of his hit song Nomvula last year, fast rising South African Afro Soul star Nathi Mankayi believes that he is a new and fresh version of veteran Xhosa crooner, Ringo Madlingozi.

Nathia��s album, Buyelekhaya, went platinum within six weeks of its release, a rare feat in the current era of rampant piracy and illegal downloads.

The album has since gone three times platinum, while his song Nomvula has become the anthem for the love sick or heartbroken.

Nathi (ABOVE), who hails from the small town of Maclear in the Eastern Cape, believes that he is the new version of Ringo, another Xhosa crooner who has stolen the hearts of listeners across the African continent.

a�?What I can say is that I grew up listening to Ringo. I grew up worshipping Ringo and other artistes who put their hearts and their souls behind each lyric that they sang. I am only doing this for this new generation and with that in mind I can say that I am the new Ringo,a�? he said.

Despite most of his music dwelling on heartbreak and the trappings of love, Nathi says that personal heartbreak is not the inspiration for most of his songs.

a�?I have faced problems in life like everybody else but the inspiration behind my songs doesna��t necessarily come from personal relationship disappointments. I am just inspired by everything in life and I just observe and interpret what people go through,a�? he said.

Such was Nathia��s touching rendition of his song Nomvula that some were moved to suggest that the singer was singing about a real woman in the song.

Who exactly is this Nomvula that had inspired a man to pen and sing such a heartfelt plea for her return?

According to the crooner, Nomvula doesna��t exist, as she is a mere figment of his creative imagination.

a�?That song was not based on a real person as some might think. Nomvula is just a dream girl that I, like everybody else, hope to be able to meet and get one day. If you have an ideal girl that you would want one day, that is your Nomvula,a�? he said.

Nathi says that although he was convicted for armed robbery in the past, he saw the error in his ways and swore never to bow to peer pressure. The singer and two of his friends robbed a man in their local township and later escaped from the holding cells after being apprehended. He was sentenced to eight years of which he served four.

Now when he is away from the mic Nathi prefers to spend time on his painting and sculpture.

a�?Painting and sculpture are my main hobbies and most of my work is exhibited in museums in the Eastern Cape. Ita��s a peaceful pastime that I really love and appreciate because of my past,a�? he said.