Mthandazo Gatya ready for his Global takeover through music
Mthandazo Gatya has come a long way since the beginning of his career in 2010, achieving one of his biggest career feats in 2022 when he got recognised by John Legend for duetting on the international star’s hit song Nervous. That singular internet challenge moment led to the Joburg born singer sharing the stage with John Legend shortly thereafter.
But while for many his success might seem as an overnight achievement, a stroke of luck if any, the hard work has been brewing behind the scene.
Music, for the 32-year-old, has been a calling from a very tender age. Something he has been pursuing even during unfavourable times. When the industry never seemed to be adverse. But it was there that he pushed.
Now he gets to collaborate with international artists such as Nektunez and Latin Grammy Award winner Paulina, who all have come to remix his next release Ngenzeni.
“The song’s plan is for an international release under a label that I can’t mention as yet. This global release came about after I posted a snippet about two months ago of the song. I first did the song as a slower version, breaking it down, and that song immediately went viral globally.
“That gained me followers like Queen Latifa and many others, with many asking where they could get the song. That is when we decided to officially record it to be released globally because it has already caught on with that market,” he said.
Now with so much exposure at his feet, Mthandazo Gatya hopes to use his new found fame to inspire his hometown, Weilers Farm, of the many opportunities that each of us have on this earth.
“Weilers Farm has deteriorated beyond words, over the last few years. People die there everyday and dreams get forgotten. I just hope that I can show my peers that it is possible, with God by your side, while I also open channels for dreams to be realised. I have big dreams that I hope I can materialise, that will help the next child from South Africa, especially my birth town – Weilers Farm,” he said.
Like many others, Mthandazo Gatya has faced rejection within the industry and not having support from those thought support would come from.
“My case is not a unique one, as there are many other artists who have faced similar difficulties like I did with the desire of making it in the industry. I embarked on this journey when I was kid, I didn’t have anything and for me to make it this far could only be God’s grace. I lived from handouts just to have something to eat – but the desire has always been one. To make this music dream a reality.
“God’s timing is everything. There was never a point in my journey where I felt I should give up on music. Over 10 years later, I am getting DMs with people wanting to work with me. It can only be God,” he said.
His upcoming song will be released as a package, including the multiple remixes coming also Mzansi’s very own Da Capo and the two international acts. This will ensure its global reach.
“What was important from the beginning was the opportunity to be heard. The purpose of my music is to touch and change lives and I believe that can be achieved through music, as it is a spiritual gift. And now with these platforms that I have been afforded, I plan to continue just that – spread the change the African way,” he said.