In today’s age of social media, talent can be discovered in an instant. Yonwaba Qetswana, a young boy from Paarl, South Africa, captivated the hearts of millions through his soulful rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen.” The video of the 12-year-old singing in his school uniform quickly became a viral sensation on Facebook, with over four million views.
A Viral Sensation
Durane Plaatjies, a local rap artist, shared the video on his arts and culture page, DOEP TV, which gained traction and changed Yonwaba’s life forever. The young boy expressed his happiness about influencing so many lives through his singing, emphasizing that he realized his vocal prowess at the age of nine.
Early Interest in Singing
Yonwaba’s mother, Noluthando, shares in her son’s delight and pride at his newfound recognition. She reminisced about Yonwaba’s early interest in singing, which she initially believed was just a childhood hobby. However, as he grew older, a friend from church highlighted Yonwaba’s exceptional talent, urging Noluthando to pay closer attention.
Recognizing a Rare Gift
Although Yonwaba was initially reluctant to perform in front of his family, he would find a secluded space and enchant them with his voice from behind closed doors. It was during these intimate performances that Noluthando and her husband, Sisa Pama, realized their nine-year-old possessed a rare gift.
Nurturing Young Talent
Durane encountered Yonwaba through colleagues who work with children in sports and the arts. As a proponent of nurturing young talent, Durane has been committed to offering aspiring musicians the same opportunities he had when launching his rap career. Recognizing Yonwaba’s immense potential, Durane has taken the young prodigy under his wing, ensuring he receives the acknowledgment he deserves.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead
Exciting opportunities lie ahead for Yonwaba, with Durane announcing a scheduled performance at the Cape Town Minstrels in January, alongside other engagements yet to be confirmed. Yonwaba, a fan of amapiano artist Young Stunna, aspires to become a renowned singer himself. In pursuit of this dream, he will release his own amapiano single, “Kholwa” (meaning “believe”), on June 30th.
A Promising Future
Yonwaba’s incredible talent, coupled with the support of his family and mentors like Durane, sets the stage for a promising future. As the world eagerly awaits his next musical endeavor, Yonwaba’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the powerful impact one gifted voice can have on the lives of millions.
