At just 12 years old Yonwaba Qetswana from Paarl is already a singing sensation, after a video of him showing off his remarkable voice recently went viral on social media.
His manager, Durane Plaatjies, also known as “Doep”, said the video had been viewed more than 5 million times and had received more than 400 000 reactions so far. In the video Yonwaba does his own rendition of the song “Listen”, originally sung by the American artist Beyoncé Knowles.
What is even more exciting is that the boy released his first single on Youth Day (16 June). The song, entitled “Kholwani” (Believe), is available on YouTube on the channel named Doep TV.
“He is releasing his music video soon,” Plaatjies said. “He has also been assigned to a minstrels team, Juvi Boys, which will also perform at the biggest klopse concert in January at Cape Town Stadium.”
The Grade 6 learner at Groenheuwel Primary describes himself as a “cool and quiet person”. He says he loves love songs, gospel music, RnB and Amapiano.
“I’m feeling happy, excited and blessed about the love I have been receiving. I’m thankful that the love for singing comes from my family. I love to sing – that is when I’m at my happiest and feel excited.”
So far, he has performed on the SABC3 breakfast show Expresso. His dream is to perform in America one day.
According to Noluthando Qetswana, her son started singing when he was just 2 years old, and she agreed he inherited his love for music from his family.
“He is a very quiet and loving child, one who loves God a lot, and worships in church. At home he is obedient and obeys our rules. I am very proud of my Yonwaba.”
Plaatjies added: “Yonwaba’s talent is really above his age. When he sings everything just comes so naturally. He is really in his element when he takes the stage and controls his voice like a trained singer.”
He is currently signed as an artist under Khoilectives Pty, an events and artist-management company, which is being managed by Plaatjies as well.
“From the artist-management side, we take both experienced and inexperienced artists under our wing, then arrange performances for them. We teach them how to make bookings, how to negotiate, how to work with their money and sustain themselves in the music industry. When it comes to events we help to create platforms for the artists and link them with people who work in film and TV.”
Plaatjies said the plan and biggest goal is to make Yonwaba a self-sustaining artist. Therefore he will soon be enrolled at the Frank Petersen Music School, where he can learn to write his own music.
For bookings phone 062 400 8545 or email Khoilectives@gmail.com.
