Linda Ximba
US superstar John Legend invited local afro-soul singer Mthandazo Gatya on stage, after a clip of Gatya singing Legend’s hit “Nervous” went viral.
Legend was performing at the Sun Arena in Pretoria on Friday following the release of his eighth album, Legend, when he surprised the crowd by introducing Gatya to the stage.
Despite being an accomplished and full-time musician, Gatya only shot to fame when he participated in the #OpenVerseChallenge on TikTok, adding a Zulu touch to Legend’s song.
Legend had posted a TikTok video singing “Nervous” and invited his fans to duet with him.
Among hundreds of responses, one video stood out above the rest.
“What really stood out for him is how I sang my version in my vernacular,” said Gatya, who was nominated for an award at the South African Music Awards (Samas).
Gatya later took to social media to thank the country for making his dream come true.
“Thank you all for making sure John Legend sees my duet. Great news is that he loved it and replied, as to what will happen next, we can leave that to God, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote.
He said while collaborating with the 12-time Grammy Award winner, he has been pushing his single “Senzeni”, which has already gone double platinum.
“I have been around for the past two years. Were it not for the Covid, maybe South Africans would have heard my music.
“I have done tours and even managed to perform alongside Canadian star Neon Dreams. I recently dropped my EP titled Journey To Infinity.”
Gatya’s performance with Legend drew applause from well known TV presenter Anele Mdoda and house sensation DJ Black Coffee.
“It happened guys !!! You did this for him !!!! Well done Southaaaa,” tweeted Anele.
Meanwhile Black Coffee wrote, ”God Bless you Sir John Legend….. Mthandazo Gatya”
Image source:Facebook
