Youngster’s entrancing voice leaves audience in awe

If you are a regular at the monthly Casambo Jam Sessions, you might have been one of the people who were mesmerised by a young gospel music singer.

The 10-year-old from White River, Neri Mtileni, has a way of getting everyone on their feet when he sings songs of worship.

“I greet everyone in the name of Jesus. I love worshiping the Lord and I’m going to stick to that even though this is a different set-up,” he always says when greeting the audience.

A number of music lovers who have seen the young lad perform, admit that they never thought he was going to bring the house down like he does.

“When they called his name on stage we all looked around only to see a small boy boldly ascending the podium and man, I couldn’t believe my ears when he got hold of the microphone.

This boy is the future and it’s amazing to see how he understands the dimensions of music and worship at his age,” said local songbird Pretty Mhlongo.

Mpumalanga News caught up with Neri, who said that all he wants to do is sing.

“My parents tell me that I used to cry too much when I was small and I guess that played a huge role in opening my vocal chords,” chuckles the talkative little man.

When he grows up, Neri wants to be a chartered accountant and make lots of money so he can buy a Lamborghini for his mother.
“My mother always tells me that my singing alone cannot afford her dream car so I want to make her proud and study, but singing is my first love,” he adds.

This grade four learner rocked the stage during the Epic Concert on Friday at Mkhuhlu Hilltop Assembly.

Catch him again as programme co-director at the Bushbuckridge Community Heroes Awards at the same venue on July 25.
Tickets for the event are available at Shoprite and Computicket at R100 and R150 for VIP.

You can also check out a video of Neri’s performance on www.mpumalanganews.co.za. He can be booked for events at
072-540-2211.