At 27, Sandisiwe Mathamo, from Lucingweni Location in Ntabankulu, never imagined his voice would travel from his village church choir to a Netflix film. But that is exactly what happened when Netflix music producer, Brandon Jury, reached out.

“He said they had watched my singing videos on social media and said my song Khayelihle had caught their attention,” Sandisiwe told the Express.

“They were working on a film with a powerful death scene and believed my voice could carry that moment.”

If it wasn’t for Sunday school, I wouldn’t be the bold singer I am today.

180 is a new, gritty and emotional South African Netflix revenge thriller, written and directed by Alex Yazbek, which premiered in April 2026.

The movie, which features some of South Africa’s most loved actors like Prince Grootboom, Warren Masemola, Noxolo Dlamini, Fana Mokoena, Desmond Dube and Bongile Mantsai, centres on Zak, played by Prince Grootboom, a former gangster who has turned his life around and is trying to live peacefully.

That peace shatters in an instant when a road rage encounter leaves his young son Mandla fighting for his life. After the justice system fails him, Zak is forced to confront the violent past he left behind.

The film is already getting a buzz as one of Netflix’s standout African originals.

“Honestly, I thought it was a prank. Days went by, and then I got asked to come to the studio for recordings. I said yes, showed up on the date, and the rest is history,” he said.

Sandisiwe’s journey started in Sunday school, where his teachers first heard him sing and encouraged him to keep going.

“If it wasn’t for Sunday school, I wouldn’t be the bold singer I am today,” he said.

“That’s where my voice was shaped. I grew up singing in the church choir, and gospel music is still at the heart of everything I do.”

After matriculating in 2019, he began posting singing videos on his Facebook page. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of followers drawn to his voice. He later opened a TikTok account, where his covers, especially Khayelihle, went viral, reaching over 1.8 million views.

“I believed in my voice and carried myself as an artist, even before the industry noticed me,” he said. “I’m forever grateful to everyone on social media who believed in me.”

While he is focused on building a strong foundation through social media, Sandisiwe has already taken his first step into professional recordings. His debut single, Ndiyamazi ondithumile, was recorded with Thulas MTV, an opportunity he is deeply thankful for.

He said that his song Khayelihle holds a special place in his heart. He sang it at his father’s funeral in 2021, and now he’s singing it again in a death scene in 180.

“It’s amazing how life comes full circle. There were so many big names and established artists they could have chosen, but they chose me. That tells me there is something real in my voice.”

Now, Sandisiwe is ready to take the next step, recording more of his own original songs and sharing his gospel with a wider audience.