Who Is Naledi Aphiwe? The KwaZulu-Natal Singer Chris Brown Discovered
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Quick answer: Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane, professionally known as Naledi Aphiwe, is a 19-year-old South African singer-songwriter from Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. She went from a viral high-school classroom video to having her voice sampled on a Chris Brown album, a Virgin Music Group record deal, and a 2026 spot on Audiomack’s curated list of African artists to watch — all before finishing her first year of university.
From a School Hallway to a Chris Brown Album
Naledi’s break came almost by accident. In October 2022, while she was a student at Khethokuhle Secondary School in Inanda, a teacher filmed her singing with classmates during a school activity. The clip went viral — and caught the attention of Chris Brown, who shared it to his Instagram, calling her voice “incredible.” That single share turned into something much bigger: in 2023, Brown sampled her vocals on “Shooter,” a track from his studio album 11:11.
For a teenager still working toward her matric, having a global R&B star build a song around your voice is a genuinely unusual way to enter the music industry — and it set up everything that’s followed.
Building a Real Catalogue, Not Just a Viral Moment
What separates Naledi from a one-off viral story is what came after. She’s released a steady run of singles since her discovery, including:
- “Uyangijabulisa” (featuring Nomfundo Moh and Fezeka Dlamini)
- “Ngiyabonga” — her breakout solo single, released in January 2024
- “Ubaba Ulala Nami”
- “Ngifuna Wena” (featuring Child Dadj)
- “Romeo & Juliet” and “Come Duze”, both collaborations with fellow rising artist Mawelele
“Ngiyabonga” in particular became the song that established her outside of the Chris Brown connection — an emotionally direct, storytelling-driven single that’s since become her most recognised solo work.
Awards, a Record Deal, and Recognition Beyond South Africa
Naledi’s momentum has been backed by real industry recognition, not just streaming numbers:
- 2024 Basadi in Music Awards — she won Soft ‘n Free Afro Pop Artist of the Year, and was also nominated for Collaboration of the Year and Song of the Year.
- January 2025 — she signed a recording deal with Virgin Music Group, a significant step for an artist still finishing high school at the time.
- 2024 — she supported Chris Brown on the South African leg of his 11:11 Tour.
- 2026 — Audiomack named her among its curated “African Artists to Watch in 2026,” specifically highlighting her collaborations with fellow South African artist Mawelele.
What Her Music Sounds Like
Naledi’s sound sits in South African Afro-pop, built around emotionally direct storytelling and vocal-forward songwriting rather than heavy production. Her collaborations with Mawelele in particular — including “Romeo & Juliet” and “Come Duze” — lean into a warmer, more romantic register, and the two have been open about their real-life relationship informing the music.
Life Outside the Music
Naledi finished her matric (South Africa’s National Senior Certificate) in 2024 with a Bachelor’s pass while her music career was already accelerating, and in 2026 she began studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration at REGENT Business School — balancing formal study with an active release and touring schedule. She’s remained based in Inanda, her hometown, and has spoken publicly about using her platform and earnings to support her family, including renovating her family home in 2025.
Quick FAQ
Who is Naledi Aphiwe? A South African singer-songwriter from Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, who rose to prominence after Chris Brown sampled her vocals on his 2023 album 11:11.
How did Naledi Aphiwe get discovered? A video of her singing with classmates at Khethokuhle Secondary School went viral in October 2022 after Chris Brown shared it on his Instagram.
What is Naledi Aphiwe’s biggest song? “Ngiyabonga,” released in January 2024, is widely considered her breakout solo single.
Is Naledi Aphiwe signed to a record label? Yes, she signed with Virgin Music Group in January 2025.
Is Naledi Aphiwe dating anyone? She has a publicly acknowledged relationship with fellow South African artist Mawelele, with whom she’s released collaborative singles including “Romeo & Juliet” and “Come Duze.”
What awards has Naledi Aphiwe won? She won Soft ‘n Free Afro Pop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards, and was nominated for Collaboration of the Year and Song of the Year the same year.
Sources: Wikipedia, The Vibes, The Gilded, Famous Birthdays, Audiomack, AllMusic, IOL, Daily Sun. As an actively rising artist, expect fast-moving updates to her catalogue, awards, and collaborations — this piece will be revisited as her career develops.
