Embarking on a remarkable journey from the vibrant city of Durban, South Africa, Naledi Aphiwe has emerged as a rising star in the music industry.

This 17-year-old sensation has captured the attention of global icon Chris Brown, who not only acknowledged her extraordinary talent but also featured her on his latest album, ’11:11,’ a collaboration that has set the stage for her burgeoning career.

From gaining recognition through TikTok to making history with an international superstar, Naledi Aphiwe’s story is a testament to the transformative power of social media and the boundless possibilities it holds for young talents worldwide.

This article delves into the inspiring journey of Naledi Aphiwe, exploring her musical aspirations, unexpected collaborations, and the profound impact she’s making in the ever-evolving world of music.

Who is Naledi Aphiwe?

Born on December 15, 2006, in the vibrant city of Durban, South Africa, Naledi Aphiwe is a 17-year-old sensation taking the music scene by storm. With a growing fan base of over 80,000 followers on Instagram, she is not just a social media star but a budding musical talent.

Aphiwe, often recognized by her stage name Naledi Aphiwe, stepped into the limelight with the release of two captivating songs, “Uyangijabulisa,” featuring Nomfundo Moh and “Zojiki Izinto” featuring Fezeka Dlamini. Additionally, she introduced the soulful track “Ubaba ulala nami,” showcasing her versatility as an artist.

The turning point in Naledi Aphiwe’s career came when international superstar Chris Brown acknowledged her extraordinary talent. In a video of her singing on his Instagram stories in October 2022, Brown praised her “incredible” voice. This viral moment catapulted her to the top of trend lists, opening doors to unprecedented opportunities.

Fast forward to a year later, and Naledi Aphiwe found herself making history. Her vocals were sampled on Chris Brown’s 11th studio album, “11:11,” which features a track titled “Shooter” that incorporates samples of her impressive vocals. This collaboration not only brought recognition but also a significant boost to her career, earning her $3,000 (R56,207).

Guided by her sister, Nontokozo Mkhize, a prominent figure in the music industry known for the hit “Lu Strong,” Naledi Aphiwe is determined to make a lasting impact on the music scene.

Eager to team up with talents such as Lwandukulu, Black Diamond, Cici, Qabe Twins, Sbahle, and others, she dreams of a future marked by creative musical endeavors.

Despite her newfound fame, Naledi Aphiwe remains grounded, prioritizing her education as a Grade 11 student at Khethokuhle Secondary School in Inanda (KZN).

Naledi Aphiwe expresses gratitude for the encouragement and support of her isiZulu and life orientation teacher, Thami Bhengu, who played a crucial role in fostering her musical journey. With determination and balance, she effectively navigated her academic commitments and the flourishing beginnings of her music career.

Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Naledi Aphiwe recalls a pivotal moment in her classroom during exams. Bored and inspired, she began to sing, unaware that this impromptu performance would capture her teacher’s attention.

Thami Bhengu not only allowed her to continue but also recorded a clip, setting the stage for her future in the music industry.

Naledi Aphiwe’s success is not only a testament to her talent but also a story of unwavering support from her family, particularly her siblings, who, while cautious, offer valuable advice on navigating the challenges of the music industry.

Looking ahead, Naledi Aphiwe envisions utilizing her earnings to acquire a new phone and fulfill a sincere desire to restore her mother’s grave. With a bright musical career ahead and a commitment to her education, Naledi Aphiwe is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world.

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How much did Chris Brown give Naledi Aphiwe?

Chris Brown gave R55k, which is around $3000, to Naledi Aphiwe after he was impressed by her voice. American superstar Chris Brown pleasantly surprised South African schoolgirl Naledi Aphiwe by generously compensating her with R55,000 for featuring her voice on his latest album, ’11:11.’

Aphiwe, hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, made a remarkable contribution to the album by lending her vocals to the intro and outro of the song ‘Shooter,’ where she skillfully covered a Big Zulu song in the Zulu language.

Brown first discovered Aphiwe’s exceptional talent through a TikTok video in 2022, where she showcased her singing prowess alongside her classmates.

How old is Naledi Aphiwe? What is her qualification?

As of 2023, Naledi Aphiwe is 17 years old and a young, talented singer and songwriter. She was born on December 15, 2006, in Durban, South Africa. As a South African citizen, she has African nationality, is of African descent, and identifies with black ethnicity.

Naledi Aphiwe is studying at Khethokuhle Secondary School, and after she studies, she will focus on her singing career, as she has a very melodic voice.

Naledi Aphiwe ft. Chris Brown

Impressed by her captivating voice, Brown shared the video on his Instagram stories, describing her talent as “incredible.”

Following this, he reached out to Aphiwe, seeking her permission to feature her voice on his album, a request she enthusiastically granted

This unexpected collaboration serves as a testament to the power of social media to connect talents across borders.

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