WATCH: Meet the King Shaka policeman behind the keys

When a traveler followed the sound of piano playing in the wee hours of the morning at the King Shaka International Airport recently, he was astounded to find a policeman behind the keys.

He whipped out his phone and started videoing the private soiree. The video went viral and launched the shy Constable Sizwe Khalala into sudden online fame.

Still in shock about the hype, Khalala said he had mixed feelings about the video.

“I was happy that people love what I am doing, but at the same time I didn’t want it to look like I was not doing my job and was just playing while on duty, because I was wearing my uniform.”

Yet, it is the combination of the gentle piano playing and the police uniform complete with pistol on his hip that really pulled in the views.

“I only play when all the flights are gone and when I am off duty, which is usually between 1am and 3am. Often colleagues or airport staff gather around the piano and we sing together,” said Khalala, who has been working for airport SAPS since 2008.

Read the original story: WATCH: Airport security officer leaves travellers in awe with hidden talent

A dedicated Christian, Khalala said he used to sit next to their church pianist on Sundays and asked him to teach him the piano.

“I love music and have grown up always singing with my ten siblings – we sang in Sunday school and at home when we were happy and when we were sad. I used to play a home-made guitar when I was young. Music keeps you calm and helps you forget.”

He said he would like to learn more piano pieces, especially gospel and maskandi songs.

“I would like to open a music school one day and teach others to enjoy and make music too,” said Khalala, who lives in Chatsworth with his two-year-old daughter, Wemanathi and is engaged to be married to Nomvuyo in July.

King Shaka International Airport senior manager corporate affairs Colin Naidoo said he is thrilled that Khalala takes the opportunity to play the piano.

“The piano is here for people to play and it is very humbling and pleasing to know that a policeman takes the time to please the passengers with some music. We are very proud of him. The piano has a soothing effect on the environment and calms people down while they are waiting in the arrivals section,” said Naidoo.

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