In a rare and vulnerable display of peer-to-peer appreciation, R&B crooner Donald has publicly declared himself the “No. 1 fan” of vocal powerhouse Amanda Black. On February 9, 2026, the “Over the Moon” singer shared a moving tribute on social media, reflecting on a decade of admiration for the Amazulu star.
The post, which featured a throwback video of Amanda performing and a screenshot of a lost WhatsApp message from 2018, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the deep respect shared between the two musical heavyweights.
Tears at the State Theatre: “I Had to Play it Cool”
Donald took fans back to 2016, recalling the first time he saw Amanda perform her breakout hit “AmaZulu” live at the State Theatre. Despite his “cool guy” industry persona, the singer admitted the performance left him deeply emotional.
- The Emotional Impact: “I swear I was in tears that day,” Donald confessed. “I had to play it cool because you know a thug can’t be seen crying in public mos lol. I knew that day you were destined for greatness.”
- The Unheard Verse: He revealed a long-held secret: he was so inspired by “AmaZulu” that he actually wrote a verse for a potential remix, though the collaboration never materialized at the time.
The Lost Message from 2018
Part of the tribute included a screenshot of a 2018 WhatsApp message Donald had sent to offer support during a pivotal moment in Amanda’s career. Due to a change in phone numbers, the message went unread for years—a “missed connection” that Donald finally brought to light.
“I’ve sometimes worried about you from a distance,” he wrote. “I feel like some people don’t understand just how lucky we all are to be experiencing you and your talent in real time.”
One of the “Most Powerful Voices”
Donald’s letter served as a powerful reminder of Amanda’s impact on the South African music landscape. He celebrated her journey from Idols SA contestant to a generational icon.
- The Legacy: “You’re regarded as one of the most powerful voices of our generation and I’m here to remind you that YOU DID THAT girl.”
- The Future: He concluded with a cheeky hint at a future collaboration: “I don’t know why I’ve never asked you to do a song with me. Oh well, who knows what the future holds?”
