Naledi Aphiwe: Biography, Age, Boyfriend, Siblings, Record Label
April 17, 2025Naledi Aphiwe (born 15 December 2006) is a South African singer-songwriter best known for featuring on Chris Brown’s album 11:11, on a song titled Shooter.
She first caught media attention after a video of her singing in a classroom went viral. The video also captured the attention of global music superstars, such as Chris Brown.
| Naledi Aphiwe | |
|---|---|
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full name: | Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane |
| Born: | 15 December 2006 (age 18 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Inanda, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Khethokuhle Secondary School |
| Occupation: | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active: | 2023-date |
| Genre:. | Afro Pop |
| Record label: | Virgin Music Group |
| Partner: | Manuel Mawelele |
Early Life
Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane was born on 15 December 2006 in Inanda, north-west of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. She has six siblings.
Education
Aphiwe completed grade 12 and matriculated from Khethokuhle Secondary School in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. She received a certificate of appreciation from her school.
She achieved a Bachelor’s pass and intends to study drama and music.
Career
Her rendition of Ubaba Ulala Nami took the music industry by storm. It tells the story of a girl whose father violates her while her mother ignores her cries.
Naledi rose to prominence after her voice was sampled on Chris Brown’s Shooter from his 11:11 album. She made good use of this exposure and has performed on big stages and released songs.
She released her song Ngiyabonga in 2024, which won her Soft ‘n Free Pop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards at the Johannesburg Theatre. She was also a nominee for Collaboration of the Year and Song of The Year awards.
In 2025, Naledi released another song with Mawelele titled Romeo & Juliet. The song is available on streaming platforms, including YouTube, Audiomack, Deezer, Apple Music, and Spotify.
In January 2025, Naledi signed a recording deal with Virgin Music Group.
Personal Life
Naledi Aphiwe is currently dating Manuel Mawelele. They started talking in 2023 and dating in December after Naledi’s birthday. The duo has released a track titled Romeo and Juliet, which has gained social media attention.
Her older sister, Nontokozo Mkhize, is a Gospel singer. She lost her mother when she was young and not yet in the music industry.
Songs
- Ngiyabonga
- ZOJIKI IZINTO
- Dali
- Impilo Emnandi
- Mina Nawe
- Ama Love Back
- Umkhuleko
- Ngifuna Wena
- Romeo & Juliet
- Uyangijabulisa
References
- Kgalalelo Tlhoaele. “Matric 2024: Naledi Aphiwe aces her matric!“. Daily Sun.
- Ronewa Jessica Mashamba. “Talented young musician Naledi Aphiwe wins afro pop gong at Basadi Music Awards 2024“. IOL.
- Sandile Motha. “Sensational Naledi embraces Mama’s love beyond the grave“. Sunday World.
- Mbalenhle Zuma. “Teen musician Naledi Aphiwe elated to score bachelor’s pass“. Sunday World.
- Kgalalelo Tlhoaele. “Young celebrity couple ignores negativity!“. Daily Sun.
- Bongiwe Mati. “Naledi Aphiwe receives a certificate of appreciation“. BONA Magazine.
