Newcomer Nathi Mankayi, pictured, has just clocked double platinum for the sales of his runaway hit debut album Buyel'ekhaya.

Goodwill Nkuna of Africori, a distribution company for the artist, said yesterday they were sitting at "just over 88000 copies" sold.

This is despite Mankayi being one of the most pirated musicians currently, according to his record label Muthaland Entertainment.

The boss of the stable, Lance Stehr asked: "The CD is selling in shops for R79. How cheap must we go for people to support local musicians?"

The song Nomvula not only topped charts on national radio stations and music retailers - including Musica and iTunes - but also topped the charts on two major Nigerian radio stations.

Yesterday Mankayi said the secret to his success was authenticity.

"When you write music from the heart, you cannot go wrong. I write about my real life experiences. I think that has helped me a lot. I'm over the moon. Since it was released, my life has changed in a big way. It is positive change in many ways," he says.

A keen sketch artist, Mankayi plans to own an art gallery and wants to dabble in acting too.

mashotol@sowetan.co.za