The Man Crush that warms up this already hot Monday afternoon is the talented and must we add, handsome, Nathi Mankayi. Born Nkosinathi Mankayi, Nathi shot to fame in late 2014 after the release of his top charting love song, Nomvula. In the song – which became the country’s “national anthem” for the longest of time – Nathi longs to find the love of his life, “Nomvula”.
As a result of his good looks, humble demeanor and charming vocals, the 33-year-old soul singer has had his fair share of women, who are eager to be his “Nomvula”; and we don’t blame them.
Nathi was born in Mthatha and raised in Maclear, both in the Eastern Cape, and despite his outstanding success on his debut album, Buyelekhaya, life wasn’t always easy for this budding musician, who was raised by a single mother with five other children.
In 2002, Nathi gave in to peer pressure, which led to poor decisions that ultimately affected his life. He and a few friends were arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. In an interview with a Sunday publication last year, Nathi was quoted saying; “Never allow your life to be ruled by friends. If it wasn’t for friends, I’m sure I was not going to do the robbery. I still regret it”.
After being released four years into his sentence, Nathi turned his life around and focused on his passion and what he did best, sing. In 2011, he entered a talent contest, “Get Your Dreams”, with his sister and although his sister won that year, he managed to scoop the title the following year, opening the doors to endless possibilities. It was at this competition that Sipho Nyathela (his current manager) heard him sing. Sipho took Nathi’s CD to record label, Ghetto Ruff, and the rest, as we know it, is history.
Unbelievable talent, new-found wisdom and striking looks make Nathi our deserving MCM today. What do you think?
