Rocking the soutie out of Salt Rock

Friendly service from a waiter is one thing – but every so often someone’s attitude is so exceptional that it will stick with you forever.

This is the case with Tommy Mkhwanazi, the 29 year old waiter at Saltyz who has been winning over locals with his awesome performances of some of the most unlikely music during their karaoke evenings.

If you have never met Salt Rock’s singing waiter extraordinaire, you need to pay him a visit on karaoke nights on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays to see this amazing young talent belting out all your most loved hits and – the crowd favourite – rocking to Afrikaans music like few Afrikaaners ever could.

Having grown up in Gingindlovu, Tommy went to Amatikulu High School and now lives in Nkobongo in Shakaskraal, he told The Courier he has been working – and singing – for Saltyz for seven years.

“At first it was the customers who started teaching me Afrikaans,” said Tommy.

“The first Afrikaans songs I ever learnt to sing were Gee my stukkie and Kaptain span die seile – and people seemed to love it.”

In fact, more than one Afrikaaner has said that they have never heard some of the songs performed as well as Tommy does it.

Of course, it’s not only the odd Afrikaans ballad that Tommy performs – though they do get massive cheers when he does.

“Outside of my job as a waiter I’m also a Kwaito artist and have performed at places like the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.”

Tommy laughingly said maybe the reason for his sunny disposition is that he was born on January 1, “after a big New Year’s party.”

“I guess I was just born a happy guy – it’s in my veins.”

Strangely enough for a man who’s known for his velvety Afrikaans and edgy Kwaito, Tommy said that classical music is his favourite.

Tommy said that he loves music and will sing just about anything.

“I want to get my name out there and start performing more often.”

Visit Saltyz on Ocean Drive and take the time to meet the friendliest, most talented waiter on the Dolphin Coast – and make sure to request a ‘sokkie treffer’ or two while you’re there.

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