BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Rising duo Nakekele ‘NKay’ Mndzebele and Tenele ‘Smally’ Mndzebele, have officially released their cover of the hit song “Waiting For You” on October 6, 2025.
Originally performed by South African star Naledi Aphiwe, the duo’s rendition aims to pay homage while adding their unique flair.
The inspiration behind the cover stems from the duo’s admiration for Naledi’s artistry. “We’ve always been huge lovers of Naledi Aphiwe’s work. Her song resonated deeply with us, and we loved the message, melody, and emotional depth,” they shared. Their desire to put their own spin on the song led them to create a version that both honors the original and showcases their artistic interpretation.
In crafting their cover, Nakekele and Tenele made several noteworthy changes. They incorporated siSwati, giving the song a fresh feel that connects with local audiences. “We focused on highlighting specific lyrics that resonated with us, bringing a new energy to the vocals,” they explained. They also adjusted the arrangement and instrumentation to fit their style while preserving the essence of Naledi’s original work.
The duo aims to convey a message that resonates universally. “Our goal was to preserve the core message of the song while infusing it with our own perspective,” they noted. “We hope our cover conveys the same emotions and messages that Naledi’s original conveyed to us, but with a new and personal touch.”
The Mndzebele Duo’s cover is not only a tribute to Naledi Aphiwe but also a testament to their growth as artists. With their unique take on “Waiting For You,” they hope to reach a wider audience while celebrating the power of music to connect people across cultures.
As they continue to rise in the music scene, fans of both the original and the cover can look forward to more innovative collaborations and fresh sounds from this dynamic duo.
watch ‘Waiting For You’ cover song at https://youtu.be/PzmpP1hqQQ4?si=X5r8P1QCUPabBZ5p
