Nathi

Nkosinathi Mankayi (born 23 December 1982), professionally known as Nathi, is a South African singer-songwriter.

He shot to limelight upon the release of his critically acclaimed song titled "Nomvula" off his triple-platinum debut studio album Buyelekhaya. He later released his second album titled Umbulelo Wam on 28 October 2016. He is presently signed under Gallo Record Company. The in 2025 he released his song titled"Bhunguza lam "with Lazola and others

Early life Nkosinathi Mankayi was born among five siblings to a single mother in Mthatha, a small town in Eastern Cape, South Africa. He grew up in Maclear, Eastern Cape, South Africa where he was educated and developed an interest in music and drawing. In 2006, Nathi was sentenced to 8 years in prison for a 2002 robbery-related crime. He was however released after serving 4 years.

Career 2008–2014: Early beginnings With the aim of pursuing a career in music, Nathi competed and won a local music competition known as "Dare to Dream". He had his share of luck in November 2014 after Vusi Nova heard him sing and insisted on featuring him on a song titled "Noma Kanjani", a song that was well received and went on to get massive airplay around South Africa.

Nathi has one child born in 2017 and a sister who is also a singer.

2015–2017: Buyelekhaya and Umbulelo Wam Nathi started recording his debut studio album titled Buyelekhaya in late 2014, releasing "Nomvula" as its lead single in 2015. Upon the release of the song, it became an instant hit, winning the "Best Selling Full-Track Download" at the 22nd South African Music Awards.

On 28 October 2016, he released a 12-track sophomore album titled Umbulelo Wam. The album charted on #2 on iTunes and sold over 35,000 units.

2018-present: Iphupha Labantu, Usiba Lwe Gazi He signed a record deal with Gallo Record Company and release his third studio album Iphupha Labantu on July 27, 2018. The album won award for Best African Adult Contemporary Album at 25th South African Music Awards.

His fourth studio album Usiba Lwe Gazi, was released on October 21, 2022. It won Best African Adult Contemporary Album at the 29th ceremony of South African Music Awards.

Discography Studio albums + List of studio albums, with selected chart positions Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications SalesNGRRSAGHASWEUKUS Released:15 June 2014Buyelekhaya Released: 10 March 2015 Label: Muthaland Entertainment Format: CD, digital download – — — — — —3× Platinum 90,000Umbulelo Wam Released: 28 October 2016 Label: Muthaland Entertainment Format: CD, digital download — — — — — —35,000Iphupha Labantu Released: 27 July 2018 Label: Gallo Record Company Format: CD, digital download — — — — — —Usiba Lwe Gazi Released: 14 October 2022 Label: Format: CD, digital download — — — — — — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles As lead artist + List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA "Qeqe (Emathandweni)" 2018 — "Igazi" 2021— "Home Boiiz" (Elten BPE, Nathi) 2024 — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyPrizeWork/RecipientResultRef201615th Metro FM Music AwardsBest African Pop AlbumBuyelekhaya Best Male Album Best New ArtistHimself Song of the Year Newcomer of the Year Best Selling Album 2023 South African Music Awards Best African Adult Contemporary AlbumUsiba Lwe Gazi