POLOKWANE – Sipho ‘Hensy Black’ Napo has found the perfect way to pass the time during the lockdown – by bonding with his three-month-old daughter.
Sipho, who is a house music artist, discovered the art of sitting on the couch with his baby, Mahlatse Bianca Hunadi, making goofy videos which he then posts on his WhatsApp status. And the comments started streaming in.
“It came as a surprise to me when people started commenting on how cute and funny these videos are, and soon I was getting requests for more,” he said.
The videos are entitled ‘Wa Motseba’ and the questions he asks the young Mahlatse are beyond cute. He would ask her if she, for example, knows a certain media personality, by adding his own quirks for effect. The humour is dry at times, which makes for perfect comedy – given that his daughter would of course not know who he is referring to.
Sipho explained that the lockdown has been difficult with the restrictions that are in place, but that he is grateful as he gets to spend time with his daughter.
“It’s funny how the lockdown, something I was initially dreading, has taught me a lot about myself and my daughter. I have learnt what her facial expressions mean and I now know her routine like the back of my hand.”
He never intended for his videos to become popular among his contacts, and advised other fathers to find something they can enjoy doing with their children.
“Being physically present, and actually doing things with them are two things. What has worked for me and Bianca might not work for other fathers and their children. Find something that works for you and stick to it. I look at my time with my daughter as learning time, and I do feel it is developing her vocabulary and comprehension,” he said.
